Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye—better known as Speed Darlington or Akpi—triggered widespread condemnation after a May 27, 2025, Instagram Live went viral in which he claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl in a Lagos hotel.
In the footage, he described witnessing bloodstains on the bedsheet and said he gave the minor ₦2,000 to change it. The disturbing confession was immediately flagged by viewers and shared across social media platforms, prompting both public outrage and official scrutiny.
Within hours, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) announced it was investigating the matter and had referred the case to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The DSVA clarified that while the alleged incident occurred outside its Lagos jurisdiction, it would pursue any leads in collaboration with federal authorities.
Facing mounting pressure, Speed Darlington posted a follow-up video to “clear the air,” admitting that his claim was entirely fabricated for publicity. He explained, “I’m an artiste and I need controversy to eat. If your name isn’t relevant, you don’t get booked… I have a new song and the song is about sex”—a nod to his recent single “Baby Oil,” released in October 2024. His apology video, in which he expressed regret for the distress caused, has itself become a focal point of discussion online.
This is just the latest in a string of controversies surrounding the 41-year-old artist, whose online antics have included sensational Instagram Live tirades and public feuds with fellow celebrities. In January 2022, he drew fire when he brandished a knife during a livestream after being accused of rape, and he has been known to threaten rivals with “juju” (traditional charms) in social media spats. While some fans defend his behavior as boundary-pushing performance art, critics warn that glorifying false allegations involving minors only deepens societal harm.
As investigations continue, many await formal statements from law enforcement, while others debate the ethics of using shock tactics in the music business. Whatever the outcome, Speed Darlington’s livestream has reignited urgent conversations about accountability, mental health, and the power of social media sensationalism.
