Nigerian singer and internet personality, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been placed on an international watchlist following his failure to respond to multiple summonses linked to a controversial viral video in which he allegedly admitted to having relations with a minor.
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According to a report by PUNCH, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed on Monday, June 30, that the artist’s name had officially been entered into global monitoring systems. The agency is also reportedly considering placing a ₦50 million bounty on him if he remains on the run.
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NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, stated that several security bodies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Interpol have been alerted and asked to act if Darlington is located.
“We’ve given him sufficient time to respond, but since he failed to cooperate, necessary enforcement procedures have been activated,” Adekoye said.
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The move comes after NAPTIP officially declared Speed Darlington wanted on Friday, June 27, over the disturbing content of the viral video.
In response, the artist released a video denying any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations were unfounded. He also accused NAPTIP of chasing relevance online and mockingly demanded a ₦2.5 million “appearance fee” to present himself.
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See some comments below:
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@Rafiu Oseni:”Give me me 5m and I will bring him to your office!”
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@Christian Ikechukwu:”Now they will apply one of their laws onto speed who is onto high speed.”
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@Lenard Michael:”But old men in the northern Nigeria are getting married to under aged girls. What has been done about it?”
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@So Lomon:”Him say make them pay am 2.5m, appearance fee if not, he is coming nowhere. Lol.”
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@Okoye Kingsley Ikenna:”Do they really have any Evidence to use against him or they are relying solely on his comment on social media?”
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@Don Kenneth:”Jail is calling this Guy.”
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@Chukwumaonyeuka Bishop:”So this law is effective in this country. Why are they not going after those over 70 years old men that are marrying under 13 in the north.”
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@Obayuwana Philip:”They should put d same strength to people who have been killing innocent people in Benue state.”
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@Chidozie Okudah:”This is good speed should go and defend himself if he is innocent, but the agency should also throw their search light to the northern part where minors are being betrothed to older men and they are not hiding it.”
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