Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has spoken out over the alleged arrest and detention of Sammy West, the elder brother of fellow actress Regina Daniels, reportedly by her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.
According to reports, Sammy West was allegedly picked up by security operatives in Lagos on Sunday, over what is believed to be his involvement in the ongoing marital dispute between his sister and the senator. The incident comes barely a week after Regina publicly accused her husband of domestic violence and reportedly filed for divorce.
The unfolding drama has since drawn wide attention on social media, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and justice in the case.
Reacting to the reports of Sammy’s arrest, Mercy Johnson, who has long shared a close relationship with Regina Daniels and is often referred to as her godmother, expressed deep concern and disappointment over what she described as an abuse of power.
Taking to her official Instagram page, the actress wrote:
“The worst form of injustice is pretended justice.
A child was arrested, no one can or has been allowed to see him for two days. He was flown from Lagos to Abuja and is allegedly being taken to court from the airport. How did we get here? Nigeria… wow.”
Her post, which quickly went viral, drew massive reactions from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom echoed her frustration about the lack of transparency in the justice system.
The controversy began when reports surfaced that Regina Daniels, 25, had accused her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, 63, of domestic abuse. The couple, who married in 2019, have two children together.
Regina, who has often defended her marriage in the past, shocked her followers when she reportedly filed for divorce last week, citing repeated physical and emotional abuse. Sources close to the family claimed that her brother, Sammy West, had been supporting her through the crisis, allegedly leading to tension between him and the senator.
While details surrounding Sammy’s arrest remain unclear, reports suggest that he was detained following a private complaint made by Nwoko. The senator has not yet issued a public statement regarding the matter.
Since news of the arrest broke, Nigerians on social media have expressed outrage, calling for Sammy West’s immediate release and due process. Many also applauded Mercy Johnson for speaking up despite her close ties to both parties.
A Twitter user wrote: “If what Mercy said is true, then this is a serious abuse of power. Everyone deserves fair treatment under the law, no matter who is involved.”
Another commented: “Mercy Johnson is brave for standing by Regina. What’s happening is not just a family issue anymore—it’s about justice and human rights.”
The situation has also reignited discussions about domestic violence and power dynamics in celebrity marriages. Women’s rights groups have called for an independent investigation into both Regina’s allegations and her brother’s detention.
As of press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor Senator Ned Nwoko’s media team had issued an official statement addressing the situation.
However, Mercy Johnson’s public remarks have intensified scrutiny over the case, putting pressure on authorities to provide clarity and ensure due process.
