By Our Correspondent
Nigerian billionaire businessman and former lawmaker Ned Nwoko has broken his silence on the ongoing marital crisis with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, alleging that years of substance abuse have severely affected their marriage and her wellbeing.
In a series of statements released over the weekend, Nwoko said that contrary to public perception, Regina’s battle with drug and alcohol addiction began long before their marriage. He described the actress as someone in urgent need of medical rehabilitation rather than public condemnation.
According to Nwoko, Regina’s dependence on hard substances has led to erratic behavior, violent outbursts, and repeated domestic incidents that have destabilized their once peaceful home.
Nwoko said Regina’s medical records show she has been battling with substance abuse for a long time and that what she needs now is genuine help, not public sympathy. He stated that his only wish is for her to regain her health and strength so she can raise their children.
He explained that he had made several attempts to place her in rehabilitation centers both in Abuja and abroad, including in Jordan, but said she often resisted the idea. Nwoko added that he had reached out to her family and close associates for support but received little cooperation.
The politician, who has been at the center of controversy since news of their troubled marriage surfaced, also addressed rumors about Regina’s age at the time of their union. He maintained that she was 19, not 17, when they got married in 2019, insisting that his marriage to her was in line with cultural and traditional practices.
Nwoko said he did not marry a minor and that Regina was born on October 10, 2000. He added that he had not broken any law by marrying her, explaining that his culture permits polygamy and that he has always been open about his lifestyle.
He further accused his long time enemies of using Regina’s condition to smear his image and cause public outrage against him. Nwoko urged the media and the public to focus on helping her recover instead of spreading what he called malicious stories.
Regina Daniels has denied her husband’s claims, describing them as attempts to discredit her and distract the public from what she called years of control and emotional abuse.
In a report by Premium Times, the actress admitted that she once struggled with drug use but said she had since overcome it. She accused Nwoko of using her past against her and subjecting her to physical and emotional pain.
Regina alleged that Nwoko locked her up, called doctors to inject her against her will, and isolated her from friends and family. She also claimed that they were never legally married and that her decision to speak out was to protect herself and her children from a toxic environment.
The ongoing dispute between the celebrity couple has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with fans and observers divided. While some sympathize with Nwoko and see his public appeal as a cry for help, others accuse him of trying to destroy Regina’s reputation.
Mental health experts have urged both parties to seek professional counseling and to avoid further public confrontation, warning that the constant exposure could have lasting emotional effects on their children.
So far, no official medical or legal documents have been made public to confirm either side’s claims. Both Nwoko and Regina continue to share conflicting accounts, leaving the public uncertain about the full truth behind their controversy.
Beyond the celebrity drama, the situation has reignited discussions about drug abuse, mental health, and the pressures of fame in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Analysts believe the case highlights the urgent need for stronger support systems for young entertainers and better awareness about addiction recovery.
As the situation continues to unfold, many Nigerians are waiting to see whether the couple can resolve their issues through professional help, legal action, or private reconciliation.
