Controversial Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, has publicly criticised the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), accusing the agency of applying double standards in its handling of allegations linked to singer Simi.
NAPTIP had earlier issued a statement on February 24, saying it was committed to investigating credible reports following public calls for a probe into resurfaced tweets allegedly made by Simi more than a decade ago while she worked at her mother’s daycare.
The agency urged members of the public with factual information or evidence to submit details confidentially through its official channels.

Reacting in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Speed Darlington questioned whether gender was influencing the agency’s approach. “NAPTIP is it because she is a woman?” he wrote, suggesting that the response appeared measured compared to how similar allegations have been handled in the past.

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The rapper referenced his own experience in 2025, when he said he was declared wanted over comments involving a minor. According to him, authorities acted swiftly and publicly in his case, a contrast he now highlights in criticising the agency’s current method of inviting confidential submissions rather than taking more immediate enforcement steps.

He also challenged NAPTIP’s request for “confidential DMs” from members of the public, questioning why stronger investigative tactics were not being deployed if the matter was considered serious. His remarks implied that the agency’s posture signals inconsistency in enforcement standards.

Beyond the specific case, Speed Darlington broadened his comments to what he described as a societal bias in how alleged crimes are framed. He argued that criminal labels such as “kingpin,” “drug lord,” and “cartel boss” are often masculinised, while women accused of wrongdoing may benefit from softer narratives. “When a woman commits a crime, the narrative often shifts to sympathy. Why the double standard?” he wrote.