News

I’m Not Coming, Speed Darlington Defies NAPTIP Arrest Warrant

Published

10 months ago

June 30, 2025

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.

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.

“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.

“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)

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.