Speed Darlington Drags NAPTIP to Court, Demands ₦3 Billion for ‘Defamatory’ Wanted Notice
Controversial Nigerian artist and internet personality, Speed Darlington, has filed a ₦3 billion lawsuit against the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), accusing the agency of unlawfully declaring him wanted and damaging his reputation.
The suit, filed on July 9, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2025. A team of female lawyers is representing the singer, who is demanding compensation for what he describes as defamation and violation of his rights.
According to court documents, Speed Darlington contends that NAPTIP’s declaration, branding him a wanted person was made without due process and has inflicted “severe reputational harm.”
The legal action follows NAPTIP’s public release of a wanted poster, which accused the artist of failing to honour their invitation over an allegation of rape involving a minor. The agency claimed the accusation stemmed from statements allegedly made by Speed Darlington during a live broadcast. The incident quickly went viral on social media, with clips of the live session drawing widespread attention and condemnation.
However, Speed Darlington has consistently denied the allegation, insisting that his comments were taken out of context and that he never committed any crime. After reportedly leaving the country, the singer responded to NAPTIP’s actions in a strongly-worded video message posted online.
“This video is for NAPTIP, make una pay attention. All these wanted posters you guys posted need to be taken down. I’m not coming, you hear me? I have not committed any crime. All I did was to speak; irresponsible talk is not a crime. I’m not coming,” he declared.
Despite public backlash, NAPTIP has yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit.
PULSE.NG
