Statutory Rape Allegations Emerge After Speed Darlington’s Shocking Online Admission
Nigerian entertainer Speed Darlington is currently under investigation following the release of a disturbing Instagram Live video in which he allegedly confessed to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. In the video, delivered partly in Igbo, Darlington narrated the encounter in graphic detail, an admission that, under Child Rights Act (2003), constitutes statutory rape.
Although the artist later retracted his statement, claiming it was a fabricated narrative meant to promote an upcoming song, the seriousness of the original confession has not been lost on the public or legal observers. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has acknowledged the video and confirmed that the matter has been referred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.
This is not the first time Speed Darlington has been associated with allegations of inappropriate behavior involving children. In January 2022, during another Instagram Live session, a woman accused him of attempting to sexually harass her 16-year-old daughter or domestic help. Darlington responded by brandishing a knife and alleging that his privacy was being invaded. That incident sparked significant backlash but did not lead to formal legal action.
Whether the recent confession was genuine or fabricated, it raises red flags. Confessions involving sexual activity with a children are not mere clout-chasing tools, they are admissions of criminal behavior and trivializing the severity of child sexual abuse.
Under Nigerian and international laws, the protection of children from sexual exploitation is non-negotiable. It is important to note that Speed Darlington remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the nature and content of his statement, warrants a comprehensive and impartial investigation. A confession to statutory rape is not a matter to be dismissed, ignored, or minimized.
Whether rooted in truth or falsehood, Speed Darlington’s confession cannot be excused as entertainment or dismissed as a marketing tactic. It has legal, moral, and societal consequences. The relevant authorities are urged to take this matter seriously, conduct a thorough investigation, and act decisively to uphold the rule of law and the rights of our precious children.
