The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Speed Darlington

  • Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Why I wasn’t successful in America – Speed Darlington

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington has revealed that his 23 years in the United States brought more legal trouble, arrests, and emotional distress than professional success or financial gain.

    Darlington, in a video, described the experience as isolating, marked by racial bias, and resulting in a trail of criminal records rather than a successful “American Dream.”

    He contrasted his experiences in the US with his successes in Nigeria, stating that he built his mansion with earnings from his Nigerian career.

    Darlington attributed his decision to leave the US to feelings of inadequacy and alleged racial marginalisation.

    He cited concerns about racism, difficulties interacting with women due to his accent, and feeling undervalued as a black man in the US.

    Darlington added that he feels respected and successful in Nigeria, where he has built a career and a life.

    Read Also: Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    He said, “America did not favour me. I have access to the USA, but I don’t want to be there all the time. America has no favour for me, and I’m not ashamed to say it. The only thing I have is criminal records, arrest, arrest, arrest, arrest is all I got from the USA.

    “So, after 23 years, I told myself it’s better for me to have access to America. I can go whenever I want to see my family for maybe 10 days, one week, or 4 days, and I will turn around and return. American society is not conducive to my mental and physical well-being. In America, my self-confidence is in the gutter. I can’t even talk to girls; I lack confidence whenever I’m in America. I’m always lonely. If I spend 9 months or two years, I will be lonely throughout, which means endless masturbation. It gets tiring.

    “If I want to talk to a girl, firstly, I’m worried about my accent. Is she going to laugh at me? Am I adequate? American society has an atmosphere where a black man is nothing, and he has to overprove himself before he can get any respect. This is not how I want to live my life. While here, I amount to something. Everybody is black and dark-skinned. All these things are what I’m thinking.

    “I love having access to the US anytime I want, but my mansion money with a swimming pool on top came from Nigerians. That fight I had with Portable was how I finished my mansion decking. That money helped me very well. That fight did not take place in Las Vegas; it took place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is better to be in a forest, climbing trees and be free, than to be in the centre of everything and be caged. I did not leave America with money.”

  • Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    Social media personality Speed Darlington has revealed that he has never experienced true love, despite currently maintaining relationships with multiple women.

    Darlington, in an interview on Honest Bunch podcast, revealed his approach to relationships, stating he is currently talking to six different women.

    He further disclosed that a previous marriage plan collapsed when he was honest about his desire for multiple partners.

    “I’ve never fallen in love, I’m talking to 6 different girls now, you can’t be the only one. I almost got married to one but she left me because I told her I’m polygamous in nature”, he said.

    Following that experience, Darlington shared controversial advice he received from his brother regarding how to manage future partners.

    “He said I should just bring them in, get them pregnant and then I can tell them afterwards”, he added.

  • Speed Darlington slams NAPTIP, threatens lawsuit for defamation

    Speed Darlington slams NAPTIP, threatens lawsuit for defamation

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington has responded to the NAPTIP wanted report, refusing to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning.

    In a video message, he dared NAPTIP to produce evidence of the alleged crimes, claiming that he has not committed any offence and that the agency’s actions are merely a ploy for social media attention.

    Speed Darlington has threatened to sue NAPTIP for defamation and is demanding that they remove his name from their wanted list.

    “NAPTIP pay attention, all this wanted you people posted everywhere, I want you to take that shit down. I’m not coming. Did you hear me? I’m not coming.

    “I have not committed any crime, all I need was to speak. Irresponsible talk is not a crime. Where is your evidence? Who is your complainant? Una won use me to collect social media clout. Hey, look at us we are doing our job, we summoned a celebrity and he came.

    Read Also: Alleged rape: NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted

    “I was born here too, I know the psychological mind game wey una won use my name to play. I charge N2.5 million for appearance, una go pay me N2.5 million plus round trip tickets for me and my PA, because I call that appearance (the NAPTIP invite), because I know you guys have no evidence you have nothing. There’s no crime, all I did was trying to trend. So, my coming there is a waste of my time.

    “You are reacting because people were tagging you to go after me. And now you want to show Nigerians say you are a good agency. Go after me for talking? Which one is cyber stalking? Who did I stalk? Did I post to anyone? Did I call any names in the video?

    Despite claiming it was all for publicity, NAPTIP maintained that the statements, if substantiated, could constitute violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

    Meanwhile, reports indicate that the entertainer has fled the country as he had posted a video of himself stating that he “has left Lagos girls for New York girls.”

  • Alleged rape: NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted

    Alleged rape: NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared controversial Nigerian rapper, Darlington Okoye a.k.a. Speed Darlington wanted over alleged offences including rape, cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking.

    NAPTIP announced the declaration in a statement posted on its official Instagram account yesterday.

    Titled WANTED BY NAPTIP, the agency urged anyone with credible information on Okoye’s whereabouts to contact NAPTIP immediately.

    The declaration followed the singer’s failure to honour multiple summons for questioning over a now-viral Instagram Live video, where he claimed to have had sez with a 15-year-old girl.

    The video, released on Children’s Day, sparked national outrage and drew condemnation from rights activists and the public alike.

    READ ALSO; Ripples over pollution caused by recycling firm in Ogun

    Within 24 hours of the incident, the Lagos State Government formally reported the matter to NAPTIP, prompting the agency to initiate a probe.

    A letter signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, dated 28 May 2025, was issued to the singer, summoning him to appear at NAPTIP’s headquarters in Abuja by 9 a.m. on May 30.

    In the letter, the agency referred to the Instagram video and other archived clips allegedly containing “admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors.”

    “These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015,” the letter read.

    Speed Darlington, in response, acknowledged receipt of the summons and stated his inability to attend on the stipulated date, offering instead to appear on June 26.

    NAPTIP, however, rejected the proposed date. In a follow-up letter signed by the Director of ICT & Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal, the agency insisted: “The invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated.

    “Moreover, the issue at hand is of urgent national importance and requires an urgent response.

    “As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule.

    “You are further given till Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to appear in person at the NAPTIP Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.”

    In spite of the deadline, however, Okoye failed to appear. Rather, the singer took to Instagram to issue a statement denying any wrongdoing.

    He said: “Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists.

    “Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community?”

    He added: “To the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment… I would never deliberately engage in any activity that contravenes my responsibilities as a role model.”

    The ‘Bangdadadang’ and ‘Baby Oil’ crooner reiterated that he had not sexually assaulted any minor.

    “I have neither engaged in nor contemplated any act of sexual predation, sexual violation, or any other untoward behaviour against the opposite sex,” he said.

    He described himself as a law-abiding citizen raised under strict moral standards, claiming that the video was merely a promotional stunt for his new single, Village Girl.

    The controversy surfaced only five months after Okoye was released from detention following his arrest in November 2024.

    He had been picked up after accusing fellow artist, Burna Boy, of having an inappropriate relationship with American rapper Diddy.

    The clash sparked the release of his diss track ‘Baby Oil’, which gained attention online.

    He was arrested during a show in Owerri and held for weeks despite being granted bail.

    The singer was finally released in January 2025 on ₦20 million bail.

    Okoye in turn filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, claiming his rights were violated during his detention.

  • JUST IN: NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted for alleged rape, cyberbullying

    JUST IN: NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted for alleged rape, cyberbullying

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

    The development came after Speed Darlington failed to honour NAPTIP’s invitation for questioning over a viral Instagram video where he claimed to have had s3x with a 15-year-old girl.

    The agency had initially summoned Speed Darlington on May 28, 2025, to appear at its Abuja headquarters on May 30, 2025.

    However, he failed to show up, citing prior commitments, and proposed an alternative date of June 26.

    Read Also: Speed Darlington seeks rescheduling of NAPTIP appearance over viral video

    NAPTIP rejected his proposed date, stating that the matter was of urgent national importance and gave him another opportunity to appear on June 2, 2025.

    Following Speed Darlington’s failure to honor the new date, NAPTIP declared him wanted, urging anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact the agency.

    “Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

    “Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. 07030000203 & 627. info@naptip.gov.ng“, the statement reads. 

  • Speed Darlington seeks rescheduling of NAPTIP appearance over viral video

    Speed Darlington seeks rescheduling of NAPTIP appearance over viral video

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington has requested that his scheduled appearance before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) be moved to June 26, following public outrage over a viral video in which he claimed to have been intimate with a 15-year-old girl.

    The video sparked widespread condemnation, prompting NAPTIP to summon the artist for questioning.

    In a statement posted on his Instagram page today, Speed Darlington said his remarks were made “for clout” and were never intended to be taken seriously.

    He insisted he is a law-abiding citizen with strong moral values and denied ever engaging in any form of sexual misconduct.

    “The video was a joke that got blown out of proportion,” he said, while apologising for any misunderstanding or offense it may have caused.

    The statement, addressed to NAPTIP’s Director General, read: “I acknowledge receipt of your letter (captioned as above) and sent to my Instagram handle on 28th May, 2025, inviting me to offer clarifications on certain online videos you alleged contain admissions of sexual acts (if substantiated) and thus constituting offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc Act, 2015.

    “As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standard, | have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation, sexual violation or any form of untoward act against the other sex.

    “As a role model, I am alive to my responsibilities in helping to mould lasting moral valours amongst our young ones and would never deliberately engage in any form of activity that contravenes this noble responsibility.

    Read Also: NAPTIP reschedules Speed Darlington’s summon to June 2

    “For the sake of clarity, I reiterate that the said Instagram video was made for purely entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or Major. Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists. Without conceding to any wrong doing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community, but to the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment purposes.”

    Despite denying any wrongdoing, Speed Darlington has agreed to cooperate with NAPTIP and will appear at their office on June 26 for further clarification.

    “If the agency requires further clarifications, I undertake to avail myself at the agency’s office on June 26, 2025″, he added.

  • NAPTIP reschedules Speed Darlington’s summon to June 2

    NAPTIP reschedules Speed Darlington’s summon to June 2

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a firm response to controversial singer Speed Darlington’s request to reschedule his summon, emphasising the critical nature of the matter at hand.

    Darlington, in an Instagram live session, admitted to having defiled a 15-year-old in a hotel.

    In a statement by Director of Information and Communications Technology, Hakeem Lawal, the agency addressed concerns raised via social media regarding the controversial invitation on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 for an interview on May 30th.

    According to the agency, Darlington cited prior commitments and proposed a rescheduling to June 26, 2025.

    However, NAPTIP stressed the invitation provided sufficient notice for preparation and underscored the urgency of the issue, described as a matter of national importance requiring immediate attention.

    In a bid to accommodate while maintaining urgency, NAPTIP has granted Darlington until Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm to appear in person at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The agency reiterated that cooperation is critical and urged compliance with the revised deadline.

    The statement posted on its official X platfrom reads: “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been drawn to your response through our social media handle on the above subject matter.

    2. In your response, you said, “Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you should reschedule to next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day”.

    Read Also: Portable slams Speed Darlington over alleged defilement of 15-year-old

    3. The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is a matter of urgent National importance that requires an urgent response.

    4. As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response. However, you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 1 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.

    5. Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter”.

  • NAPTIP summons Speed Darlington over alleged defilement of minor

    NAPTIP summons Speed Darlington over alleged defilement of minor

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has summoned musician Darlington Okoye, known as Speed Darlington, for questioning over allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

    The summons, issued on May 28, 2025, and released on Thursday, follows a viral Instagram Live video where he allegedly admitted to engaging in s3xual activity with a 15-year-old girl, claiming it occurred about ten years ago and resulted in bloodied hotel sheets.

    It wrote, “Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor. Failure to respond may lead to further action”.

    Read Also: Speed Darlington: The many controversies of a rapper

    NAPTIP’s letter cites violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015, urging him to appear at their Abuja headquarters on May 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. with legal representation or relevant documents.

    Failure to comply may lead to further legal action.

    The two-page summon read, “We write to formally invite you to appear before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in respect of certain video materials recently circulated online, including but not limited to a particular Instagram video wherein you allegedly made statements admitting to having engaged in sexual acts with an underage girl. Additional archived videos, now in circulation, similarly contain admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors.

    “These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015. Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

    “You are hereby invited to appear in person for an interview as regards the alleged actions on Friday, 30th May, 2025, by 9 a.m. at the NAPTIP Headquarters: 2028 Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, FCT.

    “Kindly bring along any legal representation or documents you may consider relevant. Please be informed that your cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough inquiry into the matter. Failure to honour this invitation may result in further legal action.”

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) escalated the matter to NAPTIP after public outrage, as the incident’s location was unspecified, limiting their jurisdiction.

    Speed Darlington later claimed in a follow-up video that his statements were a publicity stunt to promote a new song, apologising for any distress caused.

    NAPTIP’s Cyber Crime Response Team is investigating the video and related content, emphasising their commitment to protecting minors from exploitation.

  • Speed Darlington: The many controversies of a rapper

    Speed Darlington: The many controversies of a rapper

    Singer Speed Darlington is one of Nigeria’s most controversial personalities. Whether it’s public feuds or online disturbance, it seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster of dramas and intrigues for the singer.

    On the journey to fame, the rapper is known for posting controversial videos of himself and s3xual content about women, particularly objectifying s3x workers, on his Instagram page.

    However, Darlington’s lifestyle has drawn controversy, from social media drama to legal troubles, only increasing his public visibility.

    Occasionally, on his social media pages, he would show off his money, call out his neighbours, share his opinions on trending issues, or promote his songs. The singer’s social media page can be likened to a mini reality show as he entertains his fans with what he does every day.

    Darlington grew up with his family in Okigwe, Imo State, before moving to the U.S.

    The highlight of his career was in 2016 when he trended on social media after his music videos hit the internet.

    He was known for giving himself weird titles such as ‘Scorpio king’, ‘energy god, and ‘irregular speedometer,’ amongst others.

    One of his most popular hit songs is ‘Bang da dadang’, released in 2017.

    Some of the many controversies courted by the singer are as follows:

    Recently, the singer alleged that he has been arrested about 19 times.

    He also stated that he had been detained five times.

    On May 27, Darlington allegedly confessed to sleeping with a 15-year-old girl in a hotel during his Instagram live video, which went viral on social media.

    The controversial singer claimed he had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, and he gave her ₦2,000 afterwards, following bloodstains on the bedsheet.

    Narrating the incident, Speed Darlington said: “Because the thing dey somehow to tell an adult to come and clean blood that I brought out of the body of a 15-year-old girl. I can never work for anybody; I only work for myself. “Before they could come to change the sheets for me, I dashed am N2000.”

    Another recent controversy surrounding Darlington involved his face-off with singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, in a celebrity boxing match.

    The “Chaos In The Ring” bout, which took place on April 18, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, ended abruptly in the second round when Darlington was unable to continue after claiming he suffered a dislocated shoulder.

    The fight began with an intense first round, which was so fiercely in Portable’s favour that it left Darlington staggering, struggling to find a footing. Then he collapsed flat on the ground, causing the referee to declare Portable the winner.

    Taking it to Instagram, Darlington decided to address the matter by describing the match as unfair and describing his rivals’ street-hooned fight ability as an unfair advantage. “It’s so unfair”, he said.

    Also, earlier in January 2025, Darlington was arrested and detained by the police. His arrest stemmed from a feud with Burna Boy in October 2024 after he mocked Burna Boy’s connection to Diddy, who faced FBI issues. This led to a diss track, Baby Oil, which gained popularity on Spotify Nigeria.

    The conflict grew when Darlington demanded an apology from Burna Boy’s mother and ₦12 million. He was subsequently arrested on 27 November 2024 during a performance in Owerri.

    After almost a month in detention, the court, on 23 December 2024, ordered his release or court appearance within 48 hours. However, his legal team alleged that the police defied the order, leaving the rapper to spend the festive season into the New Year in detention.

    Read Also: Uriel Oputa slams Speed Darlington for ‘joking’ about alleged rape of minor

    At a hearing on 6 January, the court again ordered his release and allowed his lawyer to act as surety. However, efforts to meet bail conditions on 7 January were reportedly blocked by the police.

    Also in January, Darlington alleged that he was the target of a gunshot attack in Lagos.

    The incident reportedly occurred while he was leaving a club in Victoria Island, with his SUV sustaining significant damage.

    Also, an infamous incident that earned Darlington a lot of flak online was the viral video of the singer that surfaced online. In the video, a drama unfolded at a shopping mall where the rapper had gone shopping.

    Some excited fans approached him, requesting to take pictures with him, but it took an unexpected turn when he allegedly demanded a payment of N5,000 before they took the photos.

    Reacting to his demand, the fans, who were angry and frustrated, threw several insults at him for making such demands over mere pictures with him. The video further created a controversy on social media, with many criticising his actions and a handful justifying him as an entertainer.

    However, confirming his true intention in the viral video, he explained that fans need to understand that he does entertainment for a living and that it costs money to maintain his lifestyle.

  • Uriel Oputa slams Speed Darlington for ‘joking’ about alleged rape of minor

    Uriel Oputa slams Speed Darlington for ‘joking’ about alleged rape of minor

    Reality TV star and chef Uriel Oputa has condemned controversial musician Speed Darlington for his viral Instagram live remarks about allegedly sleeping with a 15-year-old virgin.

    The comments, which Darlington later claimed were a publicity stunt to promote a new song, triggered widespread backlash.

    In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Uriel expressed her outrage, calling the trivialisation of such a serious issue “disgusting” and criticising Darlington for normalising harmful behaviour.

    According to her, as an aunt to young girls, Uriel recalled uncomfortable experiences from her teenage years when older men objectified her due to her early physical development.

    She labelled Darlington’s actions as a stain on his reputation, emphasising that the innocence of a minor is not “content” or a “joke.”

    She wrote, “If I ever set up my ring light to speak on Speed Darlington’s escapade, I’m telling you-you would take my phone away. You wouldn’t even recognise me. I haven’t been able to sleep properly. Because how is it that the alleged rape of a minor has become a joke? A trending topic? A clout-chasing opportunity?

    “It’s disgusting. I detest everything about that human being. And let me be clear: as an auntie to two young girls around that same age, and another who’s growing into it. I’m absolutely livid. I’m shaking with rage and heartbreak. Someone who has lived abroad, who should know better, yet this?

    Read Also: My mother’s illness taught me forgiveness – Uriel Oputa

    I won’t say anything else. I’m traumatised. And honestly, deeply disappointed.

    “When I was 14, I developed quickly, and I looked a lot older than my age. And even though nothing happened to me. I remember constantly feeling uncomfortable. Older men would try to chat me up, stare at me. Say things they had no business saying to a child. So when I saw what Speed allegedly did, it brought a wave of flashbacks. It hit home in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

    “I felt angry. I felt violated on behalf of that young girl, and I honestly had to hold myself back yesterday because I was in such a rage. Speed, you messed up. Badly. This person allegedly did something that should never be ignored or joked about. This will forever stain your name. The innocence of a girl child is not for entertainment. It’s not content. It’s not a joke.”