Senator Ned Nwoko has denied reports claiming he married popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was just 17 years old. The Delta North lawmaker released details of her date of birth to support his claim, amid fresh allegations from Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters, which published what it describes as a more credible bio-data page from Regina’s international passport.
In a statement made available to the press, Nwoko insisted that Regina was born on October 10, 2000, and was 19 years old when they got married in 2019. He dismissed the viral claims as malicious and politically motivated, stating that all customary and traditional marriage rites were duly observed according to the law and Igbo culture.
The controversy reignited after Sahara Reporters, through its publisher Omoyele Sowore, released what it claimed to be a scanned copy of Regina Daniels’ international passport showing her date of birth as October 2001. If verified, this would mean the actress was 17 at the time of her marriage to the then 59-year-old politician.
Sowore alleged that Senator Nwoko deliberately avoided traveling with the actress to countries with strict child protection laws like the UK and the US, opting instead for destinations in the Middle East and Africa. He further accused Nwoko of changing Regina’s official documents and using influence to conceal her true age from public scrutiny.
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Nwoko, however, described Sowore’s report as false, emphasizing that his wife was of legal age when they tied the knot. “Regina’s date of birth has never been hidden. She was born on October 10, 2000. All allegations about marrying a minor are fabricated by people seeking cheap publicity,” the senator said.
The marriage between Nwoko and Regina Daniels in 2019 had generated mixed reactions across social media, with critics questioning the morality and legality of the union. While supporters maintained that the marriage was consensual and legitimate, others argued that marrying a teenager sent a wrong message about child rights and gender equality in Nigeria.
Legal analysts have also weighed in on the matter, noting that if the passport published by Sahara Reporters is confirmed to be genuine, it could raise serious questions about the legality of the marriage and international travel arrangements involving a minor. However, as of the time of filing this report, no official government verification has been made regarding the authenticity of the passport.
Child rights activists have called for transparency and a proper investigation into the conflicting birth records, warning that such controversies undermine Nigeria’s efforts to curb early marriage and protect the girl child. They urged the authorities to ensure that truth and accountability prevail regardless of the social status of those involved.
Meanwhile, Regina Daniels has remained silent on the matter, maintaining her usual presence on social media while focusing on family and business activities. The ongoing dispute between Ned Nwoko and Sahara Reporters continues to divide public opinion, with many Nigerians demanding evidence and official clarification on the actress’s real age at the time of marriage.
As the debate intensifies, the case underscores broader concerns about documentation authenticity, influence, and the protection of minors in Nigeria’s entertainment and political circles. Until credible verification is made public, the controversy surrounding Regina Daniels’ age and marriage to Senator Nwoko remains unresolved.
