Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has taken legal action against the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), filing a lawsuit worth N3 billion. The artist has accused the agency of unlawfully violating his fundamental human rights, claiming that their actions against him were unjust and unconstitutional.
The legal battle stems from an incident on June 27, when NAPTIP publicly declared Speed Darlington wanted after he failed to honor an invitation for questioning.
The agency had summoned the rapper following a controversial statement he made, in which he allegedly boasted about having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. However, Darlington later denied the claim, asserting that his remarks were merely for publicity. Despite his denial, the rapper faced widespread backlash from the public.
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In his lawsuit, Speed Darlington argues that NAPTIP’s decision to declare him wanted without obtaining a court order was illegal and a direct infringement on his rights.
“A declaration that the very act of declaring the applicant wanted… Without any prior order or leave of a court of competent jurisdiction is unlawful, illegal, wrongful, ultra vires, unconstitutional. And constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the applicant to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement, and right not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment,” the suit read in part.
The rapper is demanding a public apology from NAPTIP, along with N1 billion in general damages and an additional N2 billion in punitive damages. Furthermore, he has requested a 5% monthly interest on the total sum until the full amount is settled.
