Speed Darlington seeks rescheduling of NAPTIP appearance over viral video
Speed Darlington Seeks Rescheduling of NAPTIP Appearance Over Viral Video
Controversial Nigerian entertainer and rapper, Speed Darlington, has requested a rescheduling of his appearance before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), following the backlash that trailed a viral video he posted online.
The video in question, which sparked widespread criticism, showed the musician making statements and insinuations that many considered offensive and potentially harmful regarding human trafficking and exploitation. The clip quickly circulated across social media platforms, prompting NAPTIP to invite the artist for questioning.
According to sources close to the matter, Speed Darlington was expected to appear before the agency this week to explain the context and intent behind the video. However, his legal representatives have now reached out to NAPTIP, requesting an alternative date due to what they described as “logistical constraints” and “unforeseen travel conflicts.”
The artist, known for his unfiltered and often provocative online persona, claimed in a social media post on Friday that his words were misunderstood and taken out of context. He argued that his intentions were not to promote or trivialize issues related to human trafficking but to use satire and exaggeration to highlight a problem in society.
“My video was just entertainment. People too dey take things too serious. I no support trafficking or abuse. I only dey try make una laugh,” he posted on Instagram, mixing English and Pidgin.
Despite the explanation, public reaction has remained divided. While some fans defended the rapper’s right to freedom of expression and pointed to his history of comedic content, others condemned the video, insisting that issues related to trafficking and exploitation should never be joked about.
A spokesperson for NAPTIP confirmed that the agency received the request for a rescheduled appointment and is currently reviewing the case.
“We can confirm that Mr. Darlington’s legal counsel reached out to request a change of date for his scheduled appearance. NAPTIP takes any content related to trafficking, abuse, or exploitation very seriously. The matter remains under investigation,” the agency noted in a statement issued Saturday.
The spokesperson added that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, public figures must be held accountable for the influence of their content, especially when such content may affect vulnerable populations.
NAPTIP further urged the public to be mindful of the way serious social issues are portrayed in the media and encouraged entertainers to use their platforms responsibly.
Legal experts have weighed in, saying that if Speed Darlington is found to have made statements that promote or glamorize trafficking, he could face sanctions under Nigeria’s trafficking laws, even if done in jest.
“Even satire has its limits,” said Barrister Olamide Odusanya, a human rights lawyer based in Abuja. “When your joke normalizes or trivializes human trafficking, it becomes problematic under both national and international human rights standards.”
As of the time of this report, Speed Darlington has not publicly announced when he will appear before NAPTIP, but sources close to the artist suggest that discussions are ongoing to settle on a new date that works for both parties.
The incident has once again raised questions about the role of celebrities and social media influencers in shaping public discourse, especially on sensitive issues. It has also sparked a renewed call for regulatory oversight over online content that may impact national values or violate existing laws.
While some social media users have continued to call for the rapper’s arrest, others believe the matter should be resolved with a warning and public apology.
“Let him learn his lesson and move on. Cancel culture won’t help anybody,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
For now, all eyes remain on NAPTIP and how the agency will handle this high-profile case, as Nigerians await further developments.