By John Umeh
Controversial Nigerian entertainer and social media personality, Speed Darlington, has sparked another wave of public attention after defiantly rejecting an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). In a video posted to his Instagram page, the self-styled “Energy God” made it clear he has no intention of honoring the agency’s summons, boldly declaring: “I’m not showing up!”
The agency reportedly invited Speed Darlington for questioning over recent online comments and actions perceived to be linked to the promotion or trivialization of human trafficking and exploitation. While NAPTIP has not officially disclosed the precise reason for the invitation, insiders suggest that the artist’s controversial content — often laced with sexually suggestive remarks and references to young women — may have drawn regulatory attention.
Speed Darlington, however, is not backing down. In his typical outspoken and dramatic fashion, he accused the agency of attempting to “bully” and “intimidate” him for speaking freely on social media. “You think I’m afraid of uniform? You’re wasting your time,” he said in the video, maintaining that he has done nothing wrong and suggesting that the agency’s interest in him is politically motivated or part of a larger scheme to silence his voice.
His statement has divided public opinion. While some fans applauded his resistance and saw it as a stand against perceived abuse of power, others criticized him for dismissing a serious issue and disrespecting a federal agency tasked with protecting vulnerable individuals from trafficking and exploitation.
Legal experts have warned that ignoring a formal invitation from a government agency could have consequences. A former prosecutor noted that failure to comply with such summons can be interpreted as obstruction or lack of cooperation, which may escalate into legal action or even an arrest warrant.
NAPTIP, on its part, has yet to issue a public response to Speed Darlington’s refusal, but sources within the agency hint that further steps may be taken if he continues to evade the invitation.
This incident adds yet another chapter to the flamboyant artist’s long history of controversy, raising questions about the boundaries of celebrity conduct on social media and the balance between freedom of expression and legal accountability in Nigeria’s entertainment space.
