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

A public notice issued by the agency on its Instagram page included Mr Okoye’s photograph and his nicknames, such as “Akpi,” “Irregular Speedometer,” and “Scorpion King.”

NAPTIP urged anyone with credible information on his whereabouts to contact them immediately.

The post read, “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.”

NAPTIP provided contact information, including a dedicated call centre line (07030000203) and a shortcode (627), for the public to assist in locating the musician.

This development comes a month after NAPTIP formally summoned the Nigerian entertainer over a disturbing video in which he claimed to have had sexual relations with an underage girl.

The video, which was posted on Mr Okoye’s Instagram page, sparked outrage online and prompted a swift response from the agency.

In the invitation letter signed by the head of NAPTIP’s cybercrime response team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, the agency warned that failure to appear at their Abuja headquarters could result in further legal action.

The letter also referenced archived videos where Mr Okoye allegedly made similar admissions and derogatory remarks about minors.

Mr Okoye failed to show up on the invited date and requested a one-month extension, which the agency declined. The agency offered him an alternative date, but he still failed to appear.

NAPTIP noted that if verified, Mr Okoye’s statements would contravene provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA), 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015.

While the artiste later claimed he made the implicating comments to promote his upcoming song, the agency has treated the issue as a serious matter of public concern.