The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has given singer Speed Darlington a two-day deadline to respond to its invitation after his controversial admission of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday after a video emerged showing Darlington confessing to the act.
The backlash triggered intervention from authorities, including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
The DSVA explained that since the precise location of the incident could not be determined and their authority is confined to Lagos, they have forwarded the matter to NAPTIP for a more thorough investigation.
Following this, NAPTIP summoned Darlington to its Abuja headquarters on Friday for questioning about the alleged sexual assault.
READ MORE: Speed Darlington Risks Legal Action After Skipping NAPTIP Summons
On Saturday, the agency posted on X Darlington’s response, where he expressed that the invitation was unexpectedly urgent and asked to postpone the meeting to June 26.
However, NAPTIP turned down the request, pointing out that the invitation was originally sent on May 28, giving enough notice for compliance.
The agency stressed that this is a “matter of national importance” and instructed Darlington to report in person by 1:00 pm on Monday, June 2, at its Abuja office.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
“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 cautioned that it will pursue “further legal action” should the singer fail to attend the investigation.
In response to the strong backlash, Darlington retracted his earlier admission, stating that it was completely fabricated.
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via: Information Nigeria
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