Metro

NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted For Tape, Cyberbullying

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

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

NAPTIP made this known via its official Instagram handle @officialnaptip on Friday afternoon.

It read, “WANTED BY NAPTIP. 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. Call: 07030000203, info@naptip.gov.ng.”

The notice comes a month after Okoye failed to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning over his claim of having sex with a 15-year-old girl during a live Instagram video.

NAPTIP had summoned Okoye over his statement in a now-viral Instagram video.

A letter, signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, was addressed to Okoye on May 28, 2025.

It asked the singer to appear at its Abuja head office at 09:00 a.m. on May 30, 2025.

However, our correspondent who visited the agency’s headquarters at the time confirmed that the singer did not show up at NAPTIP’s Wuse Zone 5 office.

Later, NAPTIP said it received an official response from Okoye, who claimed he could not visit. He insisted on appearing on June 26.

In his response, Okoye 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 reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”

It was observed at NAPTIP’s headquarters on June 26, observed that the singer failed to appear.

NAPTIP replied in a letter signed by its Director of Information and Communications Technology & Coordinator, Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal.

Lawal wrote, “The Agency wishes to state that 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.”

He continued, “As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response.

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

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

However, The PUNCH observed that Okoye did not appear for questioning that Monday.

The singer sparked outrage on Children’s Day after a livestream where he claimed he had once slept with a 15-year-old virgin. The clip quickly went viral, triggering widespread outrage from viewers and women’s-rights groups who accused him of confessing to statutory rape.

Within 24 hours, the backlash drew official attention as the Lagos State government reported the matter to NAPTIP, which summoned Okoye for questioning.

The summon letter read, “We write to formally invite you to appear before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons 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.”

It continued, “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 2015, Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”

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

It added, “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.”

NAPTIP warned, “Failure to honour this invitation may result in further legal action.”

Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, also told journalists that the girl mentioned in the video intends to file a formal complaint with the police.

Facing mounting pressure, Speed Darlington released follow-up posts insisting the “confession” was a publicity stunt to promote new music, saying bluntly, “I need controversy to eat.”

In another post, he labelled the video “a prank.” Yet the about-face did little to calm critics, many of whom argued that joking about child sexual abuse is itself harmful.

An official who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said legal actions appear probable as the singer has missed two appointments. The official also stated that while NAPTIP is still weighing its options, it will not accept Okoye’s proposed June 26 date.

“He has responded on two occasions, giving reasons for not coming. We will not work with his timing; we will soon come out with our position on this. No one is free in the eyes of the law,” the official said.

Another official explained, “NAPTIP wrote to him, inviting him. First time, he replied that we should give him till June 26. He wrote to us, ‘Look, I cannot come because of this and that.’ The agency wrote back again to him that this issue is a matter of national importance that requires urgency.”

The Official continued, “The Agency will not work with your schedule. He replied again that he will insist on sticking to that date. Now, the agency is studying the situation.

“When we are making a decision like that, we usually consult with the relevant departments. And taking into consideration the legal implications of our action.

“Don’t forget, even if we say we are taking him to court, they’ve been on strike, they just called it off. So, we are considering our options. But the management is reviewing his response so that we can take a very informed decision.”

When asked if measures were in place to prevent Okoye from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye, said the agency is “working with all sister agencies” to ensure his appearance in Abuja.

“NAPTIP is a proactive agency. We have activated the necessary partnership on this. We are collaborating with sister law enforcement agencies.

“NAPTIP is exploring all elements to ensure that he comes to answer for what he said. We are not taking chances. We are working with all state and non-state actors on this matter,” Adekoye stated.

In an earlier interview, Adekoye said NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, was deeply concerned about Okoye’s claims.

“We are concerned. Our DG is seriously concerned. She’s monitoring the situation by the hour. Why? It’s an issue that borders on a minor, the human rights of the minor, and sexual abuse. Anything could have happened to that girl.

“He was not under duress. It was an admission. Look at what he released yesterday: a video saying that if he had known that this 15-year-old would generate this, he would have gone for a 12-year-old,” he explained.
(PUNCH)

Metro

Edo Police Nab 50-year-old Over Alleged Sexual Abuse, Impregnation Of Minor

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 50-year-old Nicholas Nusa, for allegedly impregnating a minor.

The command operatives also arrested a man claiming to be a military personnel, killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested another for alleged car theft and recovered arms and ammunition in a state-wide raid.

The command Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, said: “Within the past week, the command have arrested a total of 10 suspects for violent crimes, neutralized 1 suspected kidnapper, recovered 1 AK 47 Rifle, 10 7.62 mm live ammunitions, 1 barrette pistol with 14 live ammunition.”

The statement reads, “On 12th September 2026, the Command received information on the alleged abduction of five female children from the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko Edo local government area. A 50 year-old suspect, Nicholas Nusa, was arrested following police intervention.

“Preliminary investigation revealed the children were sexually abused, he impregnated one of them who went into early labour. The victim lost the baby after surgery. The children have been reunited with their families and suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

“On 8th September 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Sunday Irabor at Efe Classic Crown Hotel, near Oluku Market. Items recovered include three mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, wristwatch and some cash in Naira and Dollars, investigation by the Violent Crime Response Unit has revealed that the suspect is a notorious criminal and has confessed to several criminal activities within the State.

“On 7th September 2026, a report was received concerning the theft of a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 572 BT. Thorough investigation and tracking by the Violent Crime Response Unit led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as the complainant’s driver, Isiaka Suleiman, in Warri, Delta State, and the recovery of the vehicle. The suspect and vehicle have been handed over to the VCRU for further investigation.”

The statement continues, “In a related incident, On 17th September 2026 at about 1400hrs, Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division on stop and search following emergency message received from the command control room recovered a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, registration number GGE 675KR, belonging to Yikodeen Company Limited which was stolen from Lagos state.

“The vehicle was intercepted while on its way to Port Harcourt to be sold with its number plate detached and concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Ahmed Musa Abubakar, has confessed to the offense and the vehicle has been released to the company.

“On 17th September 2026 at about 07:00hrs, based on credible intelligence, police operatives raided the premises of one Collins Aligwekwe ‘m’, 28 years, at No. 4 Sofia Street, Ovbiogie Community. During the search, one English Beretta pistol and 14 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered concealed in a purse inside a bag of rice in the kitchen. One God’stime Erohuomhea ‘m’, 28 years, was also arrested at the premises. The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody as investigation continues.

“Also, on 15th September 2026 at about 10:00hrs, following a distress call from community leaders that suspected kidnappers had entered a farm road, police operatives, in collaboration with Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, promptly mobilised men to the area.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel during which the operatives overpowered them and one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while the bush is being combed for possible arrests and recovery of additional arms. Monitoring and intelligence efforts remain ongoing.

“On 16th September 2026 at about 14:00hrs, personnel of 195 Battalion, Agenebode, stationed at Okpella, arrested one Mohammed Manfred Abdulramah, 32, of Okene, Kogi State, along the Auchi–Okene Expressway for suspected impersonation.

“The suspect, who was travelling from Warri, Delta State, to Okene, was found dressed in military camouflage trousers and a camouflage vest. During Police Investigation it was discovered that the suspect is not a military personnel and stole the uniform from a Navy officer based in Niger State. Preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

According to the statement, these operations underscore the Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence- led policing, rapid response and relentless pursuit of persons involved in kidnapping, violent crime, sexual offenses and other criminal activities across Edo state.

Ikoedem also said that the recovery of the stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspects and the disruption of criminal activities within the period under review demonstrate that the Command remains firmly on the trail of criminals and will continue to deploy all available resources to protect lives and property.

The statement reiterated the command’s call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information to the Police, assuring the people of Edo State that no effort would be spared in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Metro

Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack In Plateau, Kill Five, Injure Others Inside Market

Published

5 days ago

September 20, 2026

Editor

Gunmen in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State struck again at a vegetable market, killing five persons and injuring many others.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the gunmen attacked the market at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday when the traders were about closing for the day, opening fire at random on the people and forcing them towards various directions.

A source who escaped the attack told Sunday Tribune that in the confusion that ensued, some traders were injured and others hit by bullets, adding that the attack lasted for about 20 minutes.

The source said: “The unfortunate incident caused a pandemonium in Mangu town as people could not come out of their hiding even when the gunmen had gone. Five persons were killed and many were injured.”

President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon BulusDabit, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen also shot at vehicles leaving the vegetable market.

Dabit said the identities of the victims were not immediately known, adding that several passers-by were injured and were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

He said: “Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, gunmen shot several times at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu..

“The names of the victims are not known yet. Several passers-by were injured and are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”

The attack came only hours after the MDA raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.

In a related development, the Plateau State Police Command has recovered 10 rifles, 54 live ammunition and arrested 25 suspects in its August operations.

Addressing newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodeji Faniyan, said those arrested were linked to various offences, including arms possession, kidnapping, drug abuse, armed robbery, theft and sexual offences.

Faniyan said the achievements formed part of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy, proactive crime prevention measures, rapid response to security threats and strengthened collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

Metro

Ondo Herbal Drink Death Toll Rises To 49, 170 Affected

Published

1 week ago

September 17, 2026

Editor

The death toll from the consumption of suspected toxic herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, with no fewer than 170 people reportedly affected across three local government areas of the state.

The latest development came barely days after 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area were reported dead after consuming the suspected herbal substance.

Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, had disclosed that eight people initially died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the figure rose from 29 to 49 as of Wednesday, said the situation in the council area had subsided following the prompt intervention of the state and local government medical teams.

Ajaka, while speaking on the telephone, told our reporter that the health crisis had spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight people had reportedly died.

He said, “As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been confirmed as of last night.

“So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”

Ajaka reiterated that the crisis was linked to the consumption of ethanol by the victims, adding that the state government had intensified efforts to prevent its spread to other parts of the state.

He said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities whenever reports of suspected cases were received.

“We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to have caused the deaths.

The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating the ban imposed on the sale of herbal products in the affected areas.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the police said investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures.

“The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions,” the statement said.

It added that the arrest of Babatunde followed allegations that he was involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol.

The police said the suspect was assisting investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.