By Peter Omopo
Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, has refuted allegations by his estranged wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, that he married her when she was 17 years old. He described the claim as “false, misleading, and malicious.”
In a statement posted across his social media platforms on Thursday, Nwoko said the allegation was an attempt to smear his reputation amid their ongoing marital dispute.
According to the lawmaker, Regina presented herself as 21 years old when they first met and provided an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter’s card indicating her date of birth as October 10, 1998.
“For clarity, during my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21 years old,” Nwoko said. “She presented her INEC voter’s card, which clearly shows she was born on October 10, 1998. I informed her that I would keep this document in my possession, and I have done so since that day.”
Nwoko said their marriage took place six years ago, noting that based on verifiable records, Regina is currently 27. “Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public,” he added.
The senator further alleged that Regina’s recent statements were influenced by her “current mental condition,” claiming she had begun but failed to complete rehabilitation for drug addiction.
“The facts are verifiable and indisputable,” he said. “I urge the public to approach all her claims with caution and discernment, especially taking into account her current mental condition having started and abandoned rehabilitation from illegal drug addiction.”
The dispute between the couple escalated earlier in the week after Regina admitted to the use of illicit substances, alleging that Nwoko introduced her to drugs for sexual gratification. Nwoko denied the accusation, insisting that Regina’s brother, Sammy, initiated her involvement with drugs and undermined all attempts to rehabilitate her.
The public fallout comes after weeks of social media exchanges and counterclaims, including allegations of domestic violence, which Nwoko has repeatedly denied.
