Ned Nwoko Accused of Jailing Regina Daniels’ Brother & Sister

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has made a desperate public plea for help, alleging that her husband, billionaire politician Ned Nwoko, has orchestrated the arrest of her elder brother and sister in an attempt to pressure her into returning home and entering rehabilitation for what he claims is drug addiction.

In a series of emotional Instagram Stories posted on Monday, Daniels denied the accusations, describing the situation as a “war” and expressing heartbreak over the potential public ridicule of their once-celebrated marriage.

The 25-year-old actress, born on October 10, 2000, in Lagos, Nigeria, rose to fame as a child star in Nollywood, appearing in films like Miracle Child (2010). Raised in Asaba, Delta State, by her mother, Rita Daniels—a prominent actress, film producer, and chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)—Regina is the youngest of six siblings.

Her family includes brothers Samuel “Sammy” Daniels, Lawrence “Sweezy” Daniels, and Emmanuel Daniels, as well as sisters Ifeoma Daniels and Destiny Daniels. Rita Daniels has been a key figure in Regina‘s career, often co-starring with her and supporting her entry into the industry at a young age.

Regina married Ned Nwoko in a traditional ceremony in May 2019, when she was 18 and he was 58, sparking widespread controversy due to their 40-year age gap and Nwoko‘s polygamous lifestyle.

The couple shares two sons: Munir Neji Ned Nwoko, born in June 2020, and Khalifa Ned Nwoko, born in June 2022. Reports from earlier this year suggested they were expecting a third child, though this has not been confirmed amid the current turmoil.

Ned Nwoko, born on December 21, 1960, is a Nigerian lawyer, businessman, and senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly. A practicing Muslim and philanthropist known for his anti-malaria campaigns, Nwoko has amassed significant wealth through legal practice in the UK and investments in tourism, including the Mount Ned Nwoko Resort in Delta State.

He is a polygamist with six wives, including Regina as his sixth. His other wives include Barrister Lily Nwoko (his first wife and a lawyer), Laila Charani (a Moroccan-Dutch influencer and his former fifth wife, who divorced him in 2021 amid public drama), Lina Nwoko (his late fifth wife, who passed away in 2020 from cancer), and others whose identities are less publicized.

Nwoko is father to at least 21 children from these marriages, including Tarik Nwoko (his eldest son with Lina, who reportedly died from heart failure related to drug use), Julia Nwoko, Sultan Nwoko, Maya Nwoko, Naya Nwoko, and Khalifa with Regina. His family life has often been in the spotlight, with past controversies involving co-wife rivalries and public separations.

The current crisis appears to have escalated from longstanding marital tensions. Last week, a viral video showed Regina in tears, alleging domestic violence and claiming she was not treated as a “queen” in Nwoko‘s household.

In response, Nwoko issued a statement attributing the issues to Regina‘s alleged struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, claiming she had assaulted three domestic staff members and destroyed property. He stated that his attempts to seek professional help for her were met with resistance.

On Monday, Regina took to Instagram to amplify her claims: “Nigerians come and help me, I have been crying, Ned Nwoko has arrested my Senior Brother and Big sister and he will arrest my kid sister soon, he is demanding come back and go to rehab that I and a Dr$g add!ct.”

She denied being a drug addict, rhetorically asking if she used drugs to “rob people” or if she was also being labeled a “prostitute.” Regina vowed to one day reveal Nwoko‘s “involvement in everything,” accused him of threatening to expose her alleged mistreatment, and pleaded, “Leave my family alone, Ned! Leave me alone too! Must things go south if a partner is no longer interested?”

She lamented the emotional toll, calling it “freaking embarrassing” and admitting, “Hard girl like me crying,” while emphasizing her commitment to overcoming the challenges for her sons and family.

Regina‘s elder brother, Lawrence “Sweezy” Daniels, who is based in London, swiftly responded on Instagram, warning that if anything happens to Regina, Sammy, or Destiny, Ned Nwoko should be held responsible.

He detailed that Sammy and other siblings were arrested at the Ogombo police station in Lekki, Ajah, and accused the police of beating Sammy. Sweezy dismissed Nwoko‘s allegations of theft and drug abuse against the family, claiming they arose from efforts to protect Regina.

He questioned the tactic of suing in-laws, calling it an “unusual” way to resolve family matters, and referenced Nwoko‘s late son Tarik‘s death from drug-related heart failure and seizures, noting no similar public accusations were made at the time. Sweezy emphasized his failed attempts to mediate for peace but warned of repercussions, stating, “Arresting Sammy won’t bring Regina back… Violence won’t resolve this.”

Younger sister Destiny Daniels also weighed in earlier, sharing photos of alleged scars on Regina to debunk rumors of reconciliation with Nwoko.

Brother Sammy Daniels, who appeared in the initial viral video protecting Regina, has publicly condemned violence against women, stating he does not condone beating women despite online backlash against his sister.

As of now, Ned Nwoko has not issued a public response to the latest allegations. The arrests and counterclaims have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users sharing posts about the drama, including images and calls for intervention.

Some reports refer to Nwoko as Regina‘s “ex-husband,” suggesting the couple may be separated, though no official divorce has been announced.