The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is weighing legal steps against Nigerian singer Speed Darlington after he failed to appear for questioning over a viral video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.
The agency had directed the entertainer to report to its Abuja headquarters by 9 a.m. on Friday, following public outcry over his statement. However, as of midday, he had neither shown up nor communicated with the agency.
“We issued a statement summoning him… It is evening now, and we are still waiting,” said an official. “He has not communicated officially with us.”
NAPTIP spokesperson Adekoye Vincent described the situation as serious, noting that the Director-General, Binta Bello, was closely monitoring developments.
“It’s an issue that borders on a minor, the human rights of the minor, and sexual abuse,” he said. “He was not under duress. It was an admission.”
Adekoye also referenced a follow-up video where the singer said, “If I had known that this 15-year-old would generate this, I would have gone for a 12-year-old.”
Although the singer later claimed the statement was a publicity stunt, NAPTIP warned that such comments could fall under offences listed in the Trafficking in Persons Act and the Cybercrime Act.
“His failure to appear will ensure that we know what to do within the law. It is clear. It may be prosecution or arrest,” Adekoye added.
