ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has spoken out against the arrest of Sammy West, the brother of fellow actress Regina Daniels, calling the incident “the worst form of injustice” and demanding transparency from authorities.
West was reportedly arrested in Lagos and flown to Abuja under unclear circumstances. His detention is believed to be linked to an ongoing dispute involving Daniels and her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, though officials have not confirmed the details.
In a statement posted to her Instagram Story, Johnson expressed concern over the lack of access to West following his arrest. “A child was arrested, no one can or has been allowed to see him for two days,” she wrote. “He was flown from Lagos to Abuja and is allegedly being taken to court from the airport… How did we get here?”
Regina Daniels has also voiced frustration, saying she has been unable to reach her brother and accusing authorities of withholding information. She has not publicly commented on the alleged involvement of her husband.
Other Nollywood figures have joined the chorus of concern. Actor Yul Edochie reposted Johnson’s statement, adding, “This is not just about Sammy. It’s about justice. We must speak up.” Actress Tonto Dikeh called the arrest “a disgrace to due process,” urging authorities to release West immediately.
Fans flooded social media with hashtags like #FreeSammy and #WhereIsSamuel, demanding answers and accountability. Many expressed disbelief that a family dispute could lead to such a dramatic arrest, with some accusing Senator Nwoko of using his influence to intimidate critics.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for an independent investigation and warning against the use of personal power to silence dissent.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the procedure, noting that transporting a suspect across state lines without clear charges or access to counsel violates basic rights.
As of Thursday, West’s legal status remains unclear. The Nigerian Police Force has not released an official statement, and calls for his release continue to trend across social media platforms.
The incident has reignited debate over the intersection of celebrity, politics, and justice in Nigeria, with many warning that unchecked influence threatens the integrity of the legal system.
