Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has responded to ongoing controversy surrounding his marriage to actress Regina Daniels, insisting that he never went after her for marriage.
The comments came amid a public exchange between the couple, following Daniels’ recent allegations of domestic violence and her claim that she is no longer interested in the marriage after six years.
According to reports, Regina had two weeks ago called out Nwoko publicly, accusing him of domestic abuse and expressing her desire to end the marriage. The allegations drew widespread attention on social media and sparked debates among Nigerians, including celebrities, who criticized the Senator for marrying Regina when she was allegedly underage.
In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by his Communication and Technical Action Team, Nwoko denied any wrongdoing and clarified that he never pursued Regina for marriage.
“For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married to me for six years, that means she married at 19 and not 17. The public witnessed her family giving her away in marriage,” the Senator stated.
He further explained that it was Regina’s mother, Rita Daniels, who brought her to him for marriage. “There were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me. I never went after her,” Nwoko added, emphasizing that he did not initiate the union.
Nwoko also responded to Regina’s accusations of domestic violence by suggesting that the actress has struggled with substance abuse, insisting that she requires professional help at a rehabilitation center.
This development has intensified the public debate over the nature of their marriage, as many Nigerians have voiced concerns over the age at which Regina was married. Critics argue that marrying a young actress, even if above the age of 18, raises ethical questions, particularly regarding power dynamics and consent.
The controversy has led to calls from some quarters for Nwoko to resign from his Senate position, with social media platforms flooded with debates about celebrity marriages, domestic violence, and age of consent in Nigeria.
Nwoko’s marriage to Regina Daniels has been under media scrutiny since it was first publicized. The couple’s union, which began when Daniels was still in her late teens, has always attracted attention because of the notable age difference, with Nwoko being several decades older.
While the Senator has maintained that the marriage was consensual and facilitated by the actress’ family, critics continue to question the circumstances surrounding their union. Many also argue that the public exchange of accusations between the two parties is damaging to both the family and Nwoko’s political image.
The controversy has elicited reactions from both ordinary Nigerians and celebrities. Many have expressed disappointment over the domestic violence allegations, calling for investigations and accountability.
Celebrities have also weighed in, with some condemning Nwoko’s alleged treatment of Daniels, while others urge privacy and stress that personal matters should not be sensationalized. Social media debates have trended under hashtags related to Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko, reflecting widespread public interest and concern.
Throughout his statement, Nwoko has maintained that family consent was central to the marriage. By highlighting that Regina’s mother brought her to him, he aims to clarify that the marriage was formal, consensual, and witnessed by family members.
The Senator highlighted, “I have witnesses who can confirm that her mother brought her to me. The marriage was lawful, witnessed by her family, and never forced upon her.”
This defense attempts to counter the narrative suggesting that he coerced a minor into marriage, positioning the union as legitimate under Nigerian law.
In Nigeria, the legal age of marriage varies by region, with most states recognizing 18 as the minimum legal age. Marriages below this age often attract public scrutiny and legal implications. In the case of Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko, the Senator’s clarification that she was 19 at the time seeks to address public concerns regarding legality and consent.