News
I’m Not Coming, Speed Darlington Defies NAPTIP Arrest Warrant
Published
2 hours agoon
By
Editor
Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has responded defiantly after the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons declared him wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
In a video shared online via YouTube on Monday, following the agency’s declaration, the controversial musician insisted he had committed no crime and dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said.
Okoye accused NAPTIP of using him to gain “social media clout,” questioning the basis for the agency’s action.
“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant? You want to use me to collect social media clout? Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity and he came,” he said.
READ ALSO:NAPTIP Arrests Suspect For Alleged Organ Harvesting In A’Ibom
He went on to describe the invitation as an attempt at psychological manipulation and demanded payment if the agency wanted him to appear.
“2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me 2.5 million plus? Round trip tickets for me and my PA to come. Because I call that appearance,” he added.
Referring to his controversial Instagram livestream, Okoye maintained that there was no evidence against him.
“There is no crime. All I did was try to claim it. You have no evidence. You have nothing. So me coming here is a waste of my time,” he said.
NAPTIP had on Friday declared Okoye wanted through an official post on its Instagram handle, urging anyone with credible information on his whereabouts to contact the agency.
READ ALSO:NAPTIP Rescues Seven Girls From Iraq-bound Trafficking Ring In Abuja Hotel
“Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking,” the notice read.
The move followed Okoye’s failure to honour multiple summons by the agency after a viral video surfaced in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred during a livestream on Children’s Day, triggered widespread outrage and drew the attention of women’s rights groups and the Lagos State government.
In response to the backlash, NAPTIP sent a formal invitation to Okoye on May 28, requesting that he appear at its headquarters in Abuja on May 30.
The singer, however, declined, citing prior commitments, and proposed a new date of June 26. NAPTIP rejected the postponement and issued a final deadline of June 2 for his appearance—one he again failed to meet.
READ ALSO:NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted For Tape, Cyberbullying
“The issue at hand is of urgent national importance and requires an urgent response,” a letter from the agency stated, stressing that failure to cooperate could result in legal consequences.
In a series of posts following the incident, Okoye claimed the video was a prank and part of a publicity stunt to promote his music.
“I need controversy to eat,” he stated. However, critics argued that trivialising child sexual abuse, even as a joke, is harmful and unacceptable.
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”.
(PUNCH)
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News
PHOTOS: Peace Restored In Delta Community As Council Boss, Takeme, Wades In
Published
15 minutes agoon
July 1, 2025By
Editor
Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis.
On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.
Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA.

Dr. Julius Takeme, Chairman, Burutu LG during the meeting on Monday, 30 June, 2025
Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.
READ ALSO: Clark’s Burial: Preparation In Top Gear As Burutu LG Boss Inspects Venue
“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention.

A cross section of community people during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.
In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.
“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.
The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

A cross section of community women during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.
READ ALSO: Delta: Burutu LG Boss, Takeme, Inaugurates Peace, Advocacy Committee
During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.
In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.
Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.
Spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment to The PUNCH on Monday night, saying the new rate took effect on June 30.
“PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June,” Chiejina said.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price
Recall that the Dangote refinery hiked the price of petrol to N880 as tension escalated during the 12-day crisis between Israel and Iran, raising the price of crude oil to almost $80 per barrel.
The PUNCH earlier reported that marketers anticipated that there would be a new price regime from Monday.
Dangote’s partners like MRS, Heyden and AP are expected to adjust their pump prices soon.
News
Ondo Confirms Petitions Seeking Coroner’s Inquest Into Akeredolu’s Death
Published
1 hour agoon
June 30, 2025By
Editor
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, on Monday confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Ajulo declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.
“It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.
“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.
READ ALSO:
According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.
Ajulo disclosed, “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.
“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”
He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.
“If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful,” he declared.
Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.
“The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.
Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.
“We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state,” he said.
Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. “Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”
Until his death, Akeredolu was a two-term Governor of Ondo State and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Reports from the state government stated that he died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
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