Abuja, Nigeria — Senator Ned Nwoko has publicly denied claims that he married Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was 17 years old. In a statement released on Wednesday, the politician also shared official identification documents indicating Daniels’ age, emphasizing that all legal and societal norms were respected at the time of their marriage.
The denial comes amid ongoing discussions on social media and public discourse regarding the age of the actress at the time of their union, with critics questioning the legality and morality of the marriage.
Senator Nwoko’s Statement
In the statement, Senator Nwoko clarified that the marriage was lawful, fully compliant with Nigerian laws, and that Regina Daniels was of legal age to marry under the relevant statutes. He said that allegations suggesting otherwise are “misleading, unfounded, and damaging to the reputations of both families.”
“Regina Daniels was not 17 at the time of our marriage. We have released her government-issued identification documents to clarify her actual date of birth. All proceedings surrounding our union were conducted in accordance with the law,” the senator said.
Nwoko urged the public and media outlets to verify information before spreading unverified claims, stressing that the circulation of false narratives could have harmful consequences for both parties involved.
Release of Official Identification
To support his claim, Senator Nwoko released what appears to be official identification documents that clearly display Daniels’ date of birth. The documents, he said, confirm that Daniels was above the minimum legal age for marriage in Nigeria at the time the marriage was contracted.
This action is widely interpreted as an attempt to put an end to speculation and online debates, providing verifiable proof to counter the circulating claims.
Public and Media Reactions
The announcement has generated significant attention across social media platforms. While some members of the public welcomed the clarification and transparency, others have continued to discuss the broader issue of marriage laws and age verification in Nigeria.
Legal experts have weighed in, noting that the release of identification documents is an important step toward verifying the legality of marriages and protecting the parties from false allegations.
“In situations like this, evidence-based clarification is crucial. By releasing ID documentation, Senator Nwoko has provided an authoritative source that can help settle public disputes regarding age,” said Mrs. Aisha Bello, a family law practitioner in Abuja.
Background on the Marriage
Senator Ned Nwoko, a former member of the Nigerian National Assembly, is widely known for his involvement in philanthropy, politics, and business, while Regina Daniels has gained prominence in the Nigerian film industry since her teenage years. Their marriage has attracted significant media attention due to the age difference between the couple and Daniels’ celebrity status.
The union has been the subject of speculation and online discussion since it was first reported, with various sources attempting to determine whether legal requirements regarding age were met.
Legal Context in Nigeria
Under Nigerian law, the minimum legal age for marriage varies by state, but federal law generally requires individuals to be at least 18 years old to marry. The release of official documentation by Senator Nwoko appears aimed at confirming compliance with these legal standards and demonstrating that the marriage adhered to statutory requirements.
Legal experts say that disputes over age in high-profile marriages often draw public attention, and providing verifiable evidence is a recognized way to mitigate controversy and protect the rights of all parties.
Conclusion
Senator Ned Nwoko’s public denial and the release of official identification documents are a clear effort to address claims regarding Regina Daniels’ age at marriage. By providing verifiable proof of her date of birth, the senator seeks to end misinformation and reassure the public that the marriage was conducted lawfully.
As debates continue online and in the media, the disclosure of official documents underscores the importance of evidence-based reporting and verification of facts in matters involving public figures.
