Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
The marriage between Nigerian billionaire and lawmaker, Senator Ned Nwoko, and Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has been thrown into the spotlight once again after the senator accused his young wife of violent behavior and substance abuse.
The controversy erupted after a viral video of Regina Daniels surfaced online over the weekend, where she was seen in tears, lamenting: “I cannot stand the violence again.” The clip immediately stirred conversations on social media, with many assuming that the actress was accusing her husband of domestic abuse.
However, Ned Nwoko swiftly took to Instagram to deny such claims, insisting that he has never laid a hand on Regina—or any of his other wives. Instead, he alleged that Regina’s sudden turn to drug and alcohol abuse had led to repeated episodes of violence and destruction within their household.
“Regina’s unprovoked carnage and rampage in my house and in my absence,” Nwoko captioned a post, adding that she had in the space of 48 hours attacked three staff members, damaged vehicles, and broken windows.
A Marriage Under Scrutiny
Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels’ union has always been one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity marriages, largely because of their age difference and the public attention surrounding Regina’s transition from a teenage actress into the wife of a prominent politician.
When they married in 2019, Regina was 19 and Nwoko was 59. Their union attracted criticism at the time, but both parties defended the marriage, often presenting a united front in interviews and on social media. For years, Regina was portrayed as a supportive wife and doting mother to their children, while Ned showered her with public admiration.
The recent turn of events has shocked many Nigerians who saw the couple as relatively stable despite online gossip.
Allegations of Addiction
In his Instagram post, Senator Nwoko claimed that Regina’s behavior was linked to her dependence on alcohol and drugs, which, according to him, started recently.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drug and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.
He further revealed that Regina had relocated to an undisclosed location where she had easy access to substances, which he claimed worsened her condition. Nwoko insisted that he had urged her to remain in rehabilitation in Abuja but lamented that she had refused.
Denial of Domestic Abuse
Anticipating accusations from the viral video, Nwoko firmly denied ever being violent. He pointed out that none of his other wives had ever accused him of abuse.
“I have other wives, and none will ever accuse me of violence. Regina is the violent one here,” he said.
This assertion has divided opinion, with some Nigerians taking his side while others believe Regina’s tearful video may be a cry for help.
Public Reactions
The allegations have triggered intense debate online. Many users questioned how Regina, who entered the marriage as a young, “innocent” actress, could have become entangled in substance abuse.
One Instagram user commented: “You married her very small and innocent. How did you allow her to start taking drugs?”
Another wrote: “This man is really going through a lot with this girl. I know this man can’t hurt her if she’s not on something.”
Others, however, demanded caution, stressing that only Regina could confirm or deny the allegations. “You should tell us what happened to her. She wasn’t like this, so what went wrong?” one user asked.
Regina Daniels Silent
As of the time of filing this report, Regina Daniels has not issued any statement regarding her husband’s accusations. Her silence has left fans speculating on the true state of the marriage and the wellbeing of the young mother.
The unfolding drama raises broader conversations about celebrity marriages, mental health, and the pressures that come with public scrutiny in Nigeria’s entertainment and political circles.
While some believe the couple can reconcile if Regina receives help, others argue that the rift has exposed deep cracks that may be difficult to repair.
