Senator Ned Nwoko Rejects Domestic Violence Allegations, Cites Wife Regina Daniels' Drug Addiction as Core Issue in Marital Turmoil

 

Abuja, Nigeria – October 19, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of what has become one of Nigeria's most talked-about celebrity marital crises, Senator Ned Nwoko, the Delta North representative in the National Assembly, has vehemently denied accusations of domestic violence leveled against him by his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels. The 64-year-old politician and businessman instead painted a stark picture of addiction-fueled chaos, alleging that Daniels' struggles with hard drugs and alcohol are the true drivers of their ongoing family discord. Nwoko's response, shared via a lengthy Instagram statement and accompanied by video evidence of property damage, has ignited fierce debates across social media, with supporters and critics clashing over issues of privacy, accountability, and gender dynamics in high-profile unions.

The controversy erupted on Saturday, October 18, when a distressing video of Daniels surfaced online, showing the 25-year-old actress in tears amid a group of men, including her brother Sammy West. In the clip, which quickly amassed millions of views on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Daniels could be heard lamenting, "In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence; it’s too much." The footage, captured during what appeared to be a heated confrontation at the couple's Abuja residence, suggested an altercation involving alleged thugs dispatched by Nwoko to assault Daniels and her brother. West, in subsequent posts, claimed he had intervened to rescue his sister from the senator's home after reports of physical abuse.

The video's virality prompted an outpouring of support for Daniels from fans, fellow celebrities, and women's rights advocates. Influencer Blessing CEO, known for her outspoken commentary on relationship issues, urged Daniels to prioritize her safety, tweeting, "I thought b*ating is for broke boys and touts, Senator Ned Nwoko? Regina Daniels, if you need help, blink thrice – it’s better to be alive, let them laugh at you than for something to happen to you." Actress Yvonne Jegede echoed this sentiment, advising, "If domestic violence is involved, leave to live." Hashtags like #JusticeForRegina and #EndDomesticViolence trended nationwide, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of spousal abuse in Nigeria, where a 2023 United Nations report estimated that over 30% of women experience intimate partner violence.

However, Nwoko wasted no time in countering the narrative. In a statement titled "Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence," posted on his verified Instagram account around midday on Sunday, the senator categorically rejected the abuse claims as "false and malicious." He asserted that Daniels' behavior stems from a deepening addiction to hard drugs and alcohol, which he described as the "root of our problem." "Regina was not always like this," Nwoko wrote, expressing a mix of concern and frustration. "Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety."

Nwoko detailed a series of alleged incidents over the past 48 hours, claiming Daniels had physically assaulted three domestic staff members, including slapping and hitting them without provocation. He further accused her of destroying property in their home, such as shattering car windows and damaging vehicles – claims substantiated by a short video clip he shared alongside the post. The footage, showing dented luxury cars and broken glass scattered across a driveway, appeared to depict the aftermath of a frenzied outburst. "Regina is the violent one here," Nwoko emphasized, adding that none of his other wives – he is polygamous with at least five – have ever accused him of violence, positioning himself as a non-abusive patriarch.

Central to Nwoko's account is a recent family medical emergency involving their young son, Moon, whom the couple welcomed in 2023 alongside an older child from Daniels' previous relationship. According to the senator, Daniels refused to take the ailing child to the hospital while under the influence, instead threatening to kill their resident nurse for "exposing her drug abuse." Nwoko said he personally rushed Moon to medical care, only to return and find "a scene of chaos" orchestrated by Sammy West, whom he labeled Daniels' "main drug supplier." He also named a woman called Ann as another enabler, derisively referring to her as "the tiny evil devil" supplying substances to his wife. "While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier," Nwoko alleged.

The senator revealed he had set a firm ultimatum: Daniels must enter a structured rehabilitation program, either at a facility in Asokoro, Abuja, or abroad – specifically suggesting Jordan, where access to drugs would be severely restricted. He lamented that she has since relocated to an undisclosed location "where she will have unrestricted access to drugs," heightening his fears for her well-being. This intervention comes amid reports from investigative journalist Kemi Olunloyo, who claimed to have spoken directly with Nwoko. In a video update, Olunloyo quoted the senator denying any assault and attributing Daniels' eight-month spiral into substance abuse to influences from her sister and friends, drawing parallels to the tragic story of singer Whitney Houston and her ex-husband Bobby Brown.

As of press time, Daniels has not publicly responded to her husband's explosive allegations. Her social media accounts remain silent, with her last post – a loving tribute to Nwoko from earlier this month – now resurfacing in ironic contrast to the unfolding drama. The couple, who married in a lavish 2019 ceremony when Daniels was 18 and Nwoko 58, had long projected an image of marital bliss. Daniels frequently showcased their opulent lifestyle, from multi-million-naira diamond rings gifted for her birthday to family vacations aboard private jets. Yet, whispers of tension had occasionally surfaced, including Daniels' cryptic social media posts about personal growth and resilience.

This saga underscores broader societal challenges in Nigeria, where celebrity scandals often mirror everyday struggles with addiction, mental health, and domestic strife. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), substance abuse affects over 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64, with women increasingly seeking help amid stigma. Experts like Dr. Aisha Bello, a Lagos-based psychologist, caution that public airing of such private battles can exacerbate harm. "Whether it's abuse or addiction, both demand compassion and professional intervention, not spectacle," Bello told reporters. Advocacy groups, including the Nigerian Feminist Forum, have called for an independent probe, urging authorities to investigate claims from both sides to protect Daniels and any potential victims.

Nwoko's revelation has polarized public opinion. On X, users like @LucaVaran decried the power imbalances in age-gap, wealth-disparate marriages, labeling Daniels a "trophée" in Nwoko's empire. Others, such as @DamiTheOG_, criticized the senator's approach as victim-blaming, arguing it deflects from accountability. Meanwhile, supporters of Nwoko, including some Delta State constituents, praised his candor in addressing addiction, a taboo topic in elite circles.

As the dust settles, questions linger: Will Daniels seek reconciliation or formal separation? Could this lead to legal ramifications, given Nwoko's status? For now, the Nwoko-Daniels household – once a symbol of Nollywood glamour meets political power – stands as a cautionary tale of love's fragility under the glare of fame and fortune. Families, advocates, and fans alike await clarity, hoping for healing over headlines.