In a dramatic escalation of their highly publicized marital breakdown, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has fired back at her estranged husband, billionaire politician Ned Nwoko, with shocking claims about her age at marriage, drug use allegations, and deeply personal secrets. The 24-year-old star, known for her roles in Nigerian cinema and her lavish lifestyle, asserted that she was merely 17 years old when she tied the knot with Nwoko in 2019. She further accused him of influencing her alleged descent into drug addiction and referenced a private "sex tape" she entrusted to him, vowing to fight the narrative in court. This public spat has not only exposed the cracks in their once-envied union but also sparked widespread debate over Daniels' true age, leading to the phrase "At 17" trending on X (formerly Twitter).
The feud erupted after Nwoko reportedly labeled Daniels a drug addict, extending the accusation to her siblings and friends. In a scathing social media response, Daniels challenged him directly: "When I married you at 17, was I on drugs?" She implied that Nwoko played a role in her purported substance abuse, stating, "Yes Everyone! It is now in history that 'REGINA DANIELS' did drugs because that was what her husband wanted believe it or not." Daniels expressed profound regret and betrayal, thanking her "dearest ex husband" for "breaking the crown you put on my head." She admitted to trusting him completely, even sharing intimate vulnerabilities like the aforementioned sex tape, which she prays "never sees the light."
Daniels' post was raw and unfiltered, revealing a woman pushed to her limits. "Foolish me!" she wrote, acknowledging her youth and naivety at the time of marriage. "No one knew us like us and I trusted you with all of me even with my sextape which I pray never sees the light. but you have always ben a step ahead negatively." She declared her intent to reclaim her story, proclaiming, "My name is ruined for now but I will rewrite my story! That narrative will be dead and gone." Turning defiant, she announced, "Now that I have let the one thing you have on me out, what else? It's time to fight with all of me in court! I'm not backing down now you narcissistic manipulative bastard!" Her words concluded on a note of faith and resilience: "I'm so pained! I am ruined! Y'all can laugh but the laughter won't be for long as long as I serve my God."
This outburst comes amid Daniels' recent confirmation of her age. Last week, during the initial fallout with Nwoko, she stated she is 24 years old. Today, she doubled down by claiming she was just 17 when they married. The couple's wedding took place in May 2019, and Daniels' birthday is October 10. If she turned 24 on October 10, 2025, simple arithmetic places her at 17 years and 7 months old in May 2019—indeed not yet 18. This timeline aligns with her narrative of entering the marriage as a minor, potentially raising legal and ethical questions about consent and child marriage in Nigeria, where the legal age for marriage is 18 under the Child Rights Act, though customary practices sometimes differ.
However, this version contradicts statements from her own mother, Rita Daniels. In a 2020 BBC interview, Rita claimed her daughter was set to turn 20 in October of that year. This would mean Regina was 18 (turning 19 later) when she married Nwoko in May 2019, making her 25 as of 2025. Rita, a former actress and politician herself, has been a vocal supporter of the union in the past, often defending it against critics who questioned the significant age gap—Nwoko is in his 60s. The discrepancy between mother and daughter has fueled confusion and speculation. Daniels has historically been evasive about her age, with various online sources and past interviews listing it inconsistently, ranging from claims of being 16 at marriage to official documents suggesting older.
The inconsistency has ignited a firestorm on social media. Users on X dissected timelines, birth certificates (though none publicly verified), and old interviews. "At 17" quickly trended, with thousands of posts debating child marriage, celebrity accountability, and the pressures on young women in the entertainment industry. Some supporters rallied behind Daniels, praising her courage in speaking out against alleged manipulation. "She's rewriting her story at 24—queen behavior!" one user posted. Others questioned the motives, pointing to the mother's earlier claims as evidence of exaggeration for sympathy. "If mom said 20 in 2020, math doesn't lie. Why the flip now?" another tweeted. Memes circulated juxtaposing wedding photos with age calculators, while feminists highlighted broader issues of underage marriages in Nigeria's elite circles.
Nwoko, a former member of Nigeria's House of Representatives and a polygamist with multiple wives, has not publicly responded to Daniels' latest accusations as of now. Their marriage, which produced two children, was initially celebrated as a fairy tale, complete with private jets, luxury cars, and opulent ceremonies. Daniels, who rose to fame as a child actress, often showcased their life on Instagram, but cracks appeared in recent months with reports of irreconcilable differences. The drug addiction claims add a darker layer, potentially impacting custody battles or divorce proceedings, though details remain private.
This saga underscores the complexities of high-profile relationships in Nollywood and Nigerian politics. Daniels' decision to air grievances publicly—revealing the sex tape's existence as leverage—marks a bold shift from her previously polished image. It also invites scrutiny into Nwoko's influence, given his wealth and status. Legal experts note that in Nigerian courts, age disputes could involve birth records, while defamation suits might arise from the drug allegations.
As the drama unfolds, public opinion remains divided. Supporters see Daniels as a victim emerging stronger, while skeptics view it as a calculated move in a messy divorce. Regardless, her vow to "fight with all of me in court" signals this is far from over. With "At 17" dominating conversations, the incident has broader implications for discussions on youth, power dynamics, and truth in celebrity narratives. Daniels' story, whether at 17 or 18, highlights the perils of fame at a tender age and the enduring quest for personal redemption.
