National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a firm warning to musician Speed Darlington, giving him a final deadline of Monday, June 2, to honour its invitation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the invite by NAPTIC comes after a video emerged online in which he confessed to having s*xual relations with a minor.
The alleged s*xual assault prompted widespread public outrage and intervention of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
DSVA said that the exact location of the incident was unclear, thereby its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos and the case was then referred to NAPTIP for further investigation.
NAPTIP summoned Darlington to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday, May 31. However, the singer, in a social media post, claimed the notice was too sudden and urgent and requested rescheduling the meeting to June 26, when he would be in Abuja.
Responding in a statement posted on X on Saturday, NAPTIP rejected his request, stating that the official invitation had been issued on May 28, allowing sufficient time for preparation. The agency stressed that it is a matter of national importance and could not be postponed.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been drawn to your response through our social media handle on the above subject matter.”
“In your response, you 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 should reschedule to next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”
“The agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is a matter of urgent National importance that requires an urgent response.”
“As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response.
However, you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 1 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.”
“Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter.”
The agency warned that it will take further legal action if Darlington fails to appear for the investigation.
