THIS DAWN — Human-rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, married popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was still a minor.
Mr. Sowore, a former presidential candidate known for his outspoken activism, made the allegations in social media posts this week.
To buttress his point, Sowore unearthed and attached Regina Daniels’ international passport, showing her birth date.
The claims, which have stirred considerable debate online, reignited conversations about child rights and celebrity accountability.
It also raised questions of the ethical boundaries of power and influence in Nigeria.
Sowore claimed that publicly available records indicate Daniels was born in October 2001 and that her traditional marriage to Nwoko took place in May 2019—when she was 17 years old.
He also alleged that Nwoko travelled internationally with Daniels prior to her 18th birthday.
While Sowore’s statements have generated widespread reactions, the claims have not been independently verified by journalists or official agencies.
Neither Nwoko nor his representatives have publicly commented on the allegations as of press time, and no legal action has yet been initiated.
Renewed Focus on Child Marriage Laws
The controversy has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, which sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18.
The law, however, faces uneven implementation across states due to Nigeria’s federal structure and the coexistence of civil, customary, and religious laws.
Legal analysts note that even though the Act is binding at the federal level, enforcement varies.
“The Child Rights Act prohibits marriage to anyone under 18, but states must domesticate it to make it enforceable locally.
“In practice, many child marriages occur without prosecution, especially when powerful individuals are involved or when cultural norms intervene,” said Abuja-based lawyer Aisha Abdullahi.
Public Reaction and Media Attention
Sowore’s post quickly went viral, with many Nigerians debating both the credibility and implications of the allegations.
Supporters of the activist described the claims as a call for accountability, arguing that all public figures—especially elected officials—should be subject to scrutiny.
Others criticised Sowore for making potentially defamatory statements without producing verifiable documentary evidence.
Media analysts have urged caution in reporting such allegations, emphasising the importance of corroboration.
“While the conversation about child protection is vital, the press must avoid turning unverified claims into assumed facts.
“Responsible reporting means balancing public interest with accuracy and fairness,” said Dr. Emeka Nwafor, a journalism lecturer at the University of Lagos.
The Broader Context
Ned Nwoko, a businessman, lawyer, and philanthropist, was elected to the Senate in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He is known for his high-profile lifestyle and philanthropy, particularly in Delta State.
His marriage to Regina Daniels, a popular actress with millions of followers, has long been the subject of public fascination since it was first announced in 2019.
Regina Daniels, who now has two children with Nwoko, has previously spoken publicly about her marriage.
She described it as a personal choice and insisting that she is “happily married.”
She has not, however, commented on the new allegations.
Calls for Due Process and Institutional Integrity
Women’s rights advocates say the case underscores the need for consistent enforcement of Nigeria’s child protection laws and a broader societal commitment to gender equality.
“Whether this particular allegation is true or not, it highlights a persistent problem — the vulnerability of young girls in relationships involving older, influential men,” said Dorothy Njemanze, a gender-rights campaigner based in Abuja.
She noted that “the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of social status, wealth, or political office.
“The Child Rights Act was not designed to be selective,” Njemanze added.
As of Wednesday, no official investigation has been announced by the police, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), or other relevant bodies.
Legal experts say that any inquiry, if launched, should be evidence-based and devoid of political interference.
Until verified evidence emerges or an official investigation is undertaken, the claims remain allegations.
However, the conversation they have sparked — about child protection, the power of influence, and the moral responsibilities of leadership — is one Nigeria can no longer afford to ignore.
Sowore’s Persistent Cries
Meanwhile, in an earlier post, Sowore had demanded that Nwoko “must be held accountable for crimes against a minor and abuse of power”.
In a Facebook post, he had written: “The case of APC Senator Prince Ned Nwoko has gone far beyond politics.
“It now points to serious criminal conduct and gross abuse of power, as revealed by his now-estranged wife, Regina Daniels.
“According to Regina Daniels, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko ‘married’ her when she was only 17 years old at a time when she was legally a minor under UK law, where Nwoko remains a registered legal practitioner.
“Any sexual activity following that marriage would, under British law, amount to statutory rape.”
Sowore maintained that Regina Daniels allegations that Senator Nwoko introduced her to hard drugs while she was still underage and repeatedly forced himself upon her is “disturbing”.
He insisted that “these are not mere moral failings” but “serious criminal offences that demand investigation and prosecution”.
He deems it unacceptable for Ned Nwoko to continue parading himself as a lawyer in the United Kingdom while facing these damning allegations.
“The Law Society of England and Wales must be alerted, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) must begin disciplinary proceedings before the Independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) to determine his fitness to practise law in the UK.
“We will not allow Ned Nwoko to continue using… his political influence, or illicit wealth to suppress victims, pervert justice, and trample on human rights…
“Impunity has an expiry date, and that date is now!” he concluded.
