Nigerian singer and rapper Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has become embroiled in a significant controversy following a viral video in which he allegedly confessed to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The confession, reportedly made during an Instagram Live session and narrated in the Igbo language, included disturbing details such as the minor allegedly bleeding and him paying hotel staff to change the sheets. This revelation quickly ignited widespread public outrage across social media platforms, with numerous users calling for his immediate arrest and legal action.

The public outcry did not go unnoticed by authorities. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) acknowledged the viral video and the disturbing claims made. However, the DSVA clarified that its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State and, as the location of the alleged incident was not specified, it had escalated the matter to the federal level. Consequently, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed that its Cybercrime Response Team has launched an investigation into the video and other related content posted by Speed Darlington. NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and freedom of children from all forms of violence.

In response to the escalating backlash, Speed Darlington released a follow-up video attempting to retract his earlier statements. He claimed that the initial confession was entirely fabricated and intended as a publicity stunt to promote his new music. The singer asserted that "artists need controversy to eat" and that trending, even through shocking claims, was necessary for securing bookings. He offered an apology to his fans and anyone who found the video offensive, dismissing the controversial remarks as "cruise" not meant to be taken seriously. "When I dropped my song, I needed f#ck contents to push it. That is what I was doing. Don’t give it more like than it is supposed to have," he stated.

However, Speed Darlington's apology and explanation were met with considerable skepticism and continued criticism from the public. Many netizens expressed disbelief, with some commenting that his attempt to clarify the situation made him sound even more guilty. The incident also drew comments from other public figures. On-air personality Daddy Freeze urged Speed Darlington to either sincerely apologize for an "irksome joke" or turn himself in if the claims were true, condemning the trivialization of such serious matters. Social media activist Verydarkman also weighed in, expressing his disgust and recalling previous instances of Speed Darlington's problematic behavior, encouraging any potential victims to come forward. Speed Darlington's former lawyer, Stan Alieke, shared cryptic proverbs on social media, seemingly expressing disapproval of his former client's actions.

This controversy is not an isolated incident in Speed Darlington's career, which has been marked by a pattern of contentious statements and online behavior. Reports indicate previous instances where he publicly sought a girlfriend between the ages of 16 and 20. In 2022, he was involved in an altercation after being accused of inappropriately messaging a 16-year-old girl, an incident he also live-streamed. These past actions have contributed to the public's perception of him and have intensified the scrutiny surrounding his recent claims. The entire affair has raised serious ethical questions about the use of highly sensitive and potentially criminal topics for publicity within the entertainment industry, with many arguing that child abuse should never be trivialized or used as a marketing tool.

While Speed Darlington maintains his claim was a fabrication for attention, the investigations by NAPTIP are ongoing. The public continues to monitor the situation, with hashtags such as #ArrestSpeedDarlington and #ProtectOurGirls trending, underscoring the gravity with which many view the allegations and the singer's subsequent handling of the controversy.