Speed Darlington Sues NAPTIP for ₦3 Billion Over Defamation Claim

Controversial Nigerian entertainer, Speed Darlington, has taken the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to court, demanding a whopping ₦3 billion in damages for defamation. The lawsuit, filed on July 9, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows a storm of controversy that erupted after NAPTIP declared him wanted over alleged sexual misconduct involving minors.

The drama began in late June when NAPTIP published a wanted notice naming Speed Darlington, alleging that the artist had publicly confessed during an Instagram Live session to having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, and possibly a 14-year-old. The agency claimed that such a confession, even if made casually or for attention, was grounds enough for criminal inquiry. Social media exploded with outrage, and within hours, the declaration went viral - putting the eccentric entertainer under nationwide scrutiny.

But Speed Darlington, never one to back down from controversy, hit back hard. He denied the allegations outright, insisting his words were never meant to be taken seriously and were said purely for clout. He claimed that NAPTIP’s public declaration was not only defamatory but also dangerous to his brand, livelihood, and mental health. According to him, the agency made no attempt to contact him formally or verify the intent behind his online statements before branding him a criminal to the world.

In his lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2025 - Speed Darlington seeks not only the ₦3 billion as damages but also a perpetual injunction to stop NAPTIP from enforcing or acting on the June 27 notice. He further wants a full retraction of the statement and an official public apology. The singer maintains that no crime was committed and that NAPTIP’s actions were based purely on sensationalism and not facts. In several social media posts following the notice, he doubled down on his innocence, accusing the agency of trying to ruin his career with "lazy investigations and false conclusions."

Legal observers are watching the case closely, as it sits at the intersection of free speech, online conduct, and institutional accountability. While many Nigerians have condemned Speed Darlington’s choice of words during the controversial livestream, others have questioned the agency’s approach - suggesting that issuing a wanted notice based on a social media clip may be excessive, especially without solid evidence or formal charges.

The situation has since divided public opinion. Some fans and followers argue that NAPTIP acted appropriately given the gravity of the claims, and that anyone celebrity or not - should be held accountable for comments that may suggest abuse. Others say the agency may have jumped the gun, using Speed Darlington as a scapegoat in a bid to make an example out of a public figure who thrives on shock value.

As of now, NAPTIP has not issued an official response to the lawsuit. Legal proceedings are expected to commence soon, and if the court rules in favor of Speed Darlington, it could set a major precedent for how Nigerian agencies handle cases involving social media confessions and viral content.

Speed Darlington, known for his unconventional approach to fame and frequent social media antics, appears determined to fight this to the very end. Whether this lawsuit is a genuine bid for justice or another controversial episode in his unpredictable career remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this is a legal and media storm that Nigeria will be watching closely.