“I Never Married Her as a Minor” — Ned Nwoko Defends Himself, Shares Regina Daniels’ Voter’s Card to Dispel Age Rumors

Senator Prince Ned Nwoko has officially addressed the swirling rumors suggesting that he married Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was a minor, calling the claims “entirely untrue, misleading, and malicious.” The billionaire lawyer and politician broke his silence in a detailed statement shared on social media, where he not only denied the allegations but also presented what he described as verifiable proof of Regina’s age — her voter’s card issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In his statement, Nwoko said the false narrative being circulated stemmed from Regina Daniels herself, who allegedly claimed she was 17 years old at the time of their marriage. “It has come to my attention that false claims are being circulated by Regina, suggesting that I married her when she was 17 years old,” he wrote. “These claims are entirely untrue and misleading.” The senator emphasized that from the very beginning, he was careful about verifying her age before their marriage, and the documents in his possession confirm that she was of legal age when they met.

“For clarity,” he continued, “during my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21 years old. I further asked if she had any document to support this, and she presented her INEC voter’s card, which clearly shows that she was born on October 10th, 1998.” According to him, he decided to keep that document ever since, considering it an important proof in case of future controversies. “I informed her that I would keep this document in my possession, and I have done so since that day,” he stated.

Nwoko went on to mention that he had also seen an interview conducted by the BBC with Regina’s mother shortly after their marriage, where her mother reportedly confirmed her daughter’s age, aligning with the date of birth on the voter’s card. “I have also seen a BBC interview her mom granted after our marriage regarding her age,” he noted. “According to all verifiable records, our marriage took place six years ago, which means Regina is 27 years old today. Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public.”

The statement comes amid growing social media conversations around the couple, whose marriage has long been a subject of controversy and fascination among Nigerians. When news of their union first broke in 2019, Regina Daniels was widely rumored to be just 19, while Ned Nwoko was in his late 50s. Although both parties have since maintained that she was an adult at the time, the conversation about age difference and consent has continued to shadow their marriage.

Now, years later, Nwoko’s recent comments reignite public attention, especially as he ties his defense to concerns about Regina’s alleged “mental condition” and struggles with “illegal drug addiction.” The senator’s tone in the latter part of his statement turned from defensive to critical, hinting at personal troubles between them. “Until this is done, I urge the public to approach all her claims with caution and discernment,” he said, referring to verifying the facts. “Especially taking into account her current mental condition, having started and abandoned her rehabilitation from illegal drug addiction.”

That last line immediately stirred online reactions, with many Nigerians questioning whether the senator’s decision to publicly link his wife to drug addiction was appropriate, even if he intended to defend himself. Some social media users accused him of using personal information to discredit her, while others argued that the senator was within his rights to clear his name from damaging falsehoods.

For years, the couple had presented a picture of unity and affection, often appearing together at events and on social media, with Regina publicly praising her husband and celebrating their growing family. However, cracks have seemed to appear in recent months, with subtle online posts and rumors hinting at tension. If Nwoko’s latest statement is anything to go by, those cracks may have widened into a full-blown rift.

Observers note that this isn’t the first time Ned Nwoko has had to publicly address rumors concerning his marriage to the young actress. Back in 2020, when their relationship first went viral, he defended their union as both legal and culturally acceptable, saying he had always been open about his polygamous nature and intentions. “I come from a very traditional background,” he once said in an earlier interview. “In my culture, marrying more than one wife is not an issue. And as long as they are adults, there is nothing wrong.”

Still, what has shocked many this time isn’t the issue of polygamy or even age difference, but the suggestion that things may have soured between the two. Regina Daniels has, until now, remained silent on the new allegations, neither confirming nor denying the senator’s claims. Fans are now watching closely to see whether she will issue a response, as the matter continues to trend on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Within hours of the statement, photos of the alleged voter’s card began circulating online. While some social media users accepted it as proof that she was of legal age, others questioned its authenticity, pointing out that voter’s cards are easy to replace or renew, and birth information could be hard to verify. The debate has once again thrown Regina Daniels’ personal life into the public spotlight — something she has often tried to keep controlled since becoming a mother and senator’s wife.

In entertainment circles, reactions have been mixed. Some Nollywood figures called for privacy and restraint, urging both parties to handle their issues offline, while others expressed disappointment at the public exchange. “They used to be such a strong couple,” one insider was quoted as saying. “It’s painful to see this kind of drama spilling into the open. Regardless of who is right, this level of exposure does no one any good.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Ned Nwoko insist that the senator is merely protecting his reputation, which has come under fire several times due to misinformation. They argue that if he indeed possesses official documentation proving Regina’s age, then it’s fair for him to set the record straight. Others, however, feel that his inclusion of sensitive claims about her personal struggles may have crossed a line.

As the story continues to unfold, many Nigerians are left reflecting on how much of celebrity life should be open to public scrutiny and how personal disputes, once they enter the internet space, quickly become national conversations. Whether this latest controversy will lead to more revelations or private reconciliation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the marriage between Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels, once celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most talked-about unions, has now become one of its most debated.

For now, Senator Nwoko’s message is clear — he insists he never married a minor, and he is ready to defend that fact with documents in hand. But the emotional undercurrent of his statement suggests something far deeper than a simple clarification. As the public awaits Regina Daniels’ side of the story, it appears the once-glamorous love story that captivated millions might be standing at a critical crossroads.