ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian lawmaker and businessman Sen. Ned Nwoko has refuted allegations that he married Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was underage, calling the claims “entirely false and misleading.” The controversy resurfaced this week following viral social media posts and renewed scrutiny from political activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a personally signed statement, Nwoko said Daniels was 21 years old at the time of their marriage in 2019. He said she presented her Independent National Electoral Commission voter’s card, which listed her birthdate as Oct. 10, 1998. “During my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21,” Nwoko said. “She presented her INEC voter’s card, which showed she was born on October 10, 1998.”
Nwoko added that their marriage took place six years ago, which would make Daniels 27 years old today. “Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public,” he said. He emphasized that the voter’s card and other records in his possession remain verifiable and accused critics of attempting to smear his reputation.
The allegations were amplified by Sowore, who claimed that travel and identity documents contradict Nwoko’s account. Sowore alleged that Daniels was born in 2001 and was therefore 17 at the time of the marriage. He accused Nwoko of using falsified documents, including a potentially fake voter’s card, to legitimize the union.
Under Nigerian law, the legal age for marriage varies by region and religious affiliation, but civil law generally recognizes 18 as the minimum age. Voter registration documents are often used to verify age, though critics argue that such records can be manipulated or misrepresented, especially in high-profile cases.
Observers say the renewed media attention comes amid tension in the couple’s relationship, with recent online exchanges suggesting temporary estrangement. Daniels posted cryptic messages on social media, including one that read, “I found strength in that same house you tried to destroy me,” fueling speculation about marital discord.
Despite the public fallout, sources close to the family indicate that efforts are ongoing to resolve personal differences privately. No official separation has been confirmed, and both parties continue to maintain public profiles that suggest ongoing negotiations.
Public reaction to the controversy has been mixed. Supporters of Nwoko argue that the documentation he presented should be considered sufficient, while critics question the authenticity of the voter’s card and call for independent verification. On social media, hashtags like #ReginaWas17 and #VerifyHerAge have trended, reflecting the polarized views.
Some Nigerians have expressed concern over the broader implications of the case, citing the need for stricter enforcement of age verification in marriages and voter registration. Women’s rights groups have called for transparency, while others have criticized the media for sensationalizing the issue and invading the couple’s privacy.
As the debate continues, both Nwoko and Daniels have remained largely silent beyond their initial statements. The controversy has reignited discussions about celebrity marriages, documentation integrity, and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms.
