- Safiu Kehinde
Delta state lawmaker, Sen. Ned Nwoko, has released another evidence to debunk claims that he married his estranged wife and Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, while she was underage.
This is coming under the heels of the lingering controversies surrounding the real age of Regina who was, in the wake of her marital crisis with Nwoko, alleged to have been married by the politician at the age of 17.
Regina who had last month packed out of Nwoko’s house over alleged domestic violence and assault, had put the politician into public spotlight with critics accusing him of forcing the actress into marriage at such tender age.
While the Senator had over time debunked the claims, old international passports of Regina was yesterday leaked by human activists, Omoyele Sowore.
As contained in one of the passports, Regina’s bio data indicated that she was born on the 10th of October 2001.
Sowore alleged that Nwoko married the actress at the age of 17 and travelled abroad with her as soon as she turned 18.
He further accused the lawmaker of frequently harassing Regina’s family members since their marriage.
“Senator Chinedu “Ned” Nwoko of the APC may believe he can outsmart the public, but the record tells a different story.
“Evidence NOW in the public domain shows that he entered into marriage with Regina Ojeogwu when she was still a teenager, and that the couple later travelled abroad soon after she turned 18.
“Ned Nwoko personally handled her travel documentation for that trip, according to accounts from those familiar with the matter.
“The same senator, long known for flaunting wealth and influence, has frequently used the now disgraced Nigeria Police Force to intimidate and detain members of his estranged wife’s family and others speaking against his well-documented impunity.
“This pattern of harassment must stop. Nigeria cannot claim to stand for justice while people with immense political power and questionable fortunes use state institutions as private weapons. Justice must mean accountability, even for the rich and well-connected. Impunity must end.” The activist wrote.
In a counter reaction to the claims, Nwoko took to his Facebook page on Thursday, posting the Regina’s voter’s card which was registered in 2016.
As against the initial post by Sowore, the actress’ date of birth read October 10, 1998 on the card issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nwoko, in reaction, labelled Sowore’s claim as untrue and misleading.
He clarified that he asked Regina of her age before their marriage with the actress allegedly disclosing that she was 21.
Nwoko further recalled BBC interview of the actress’ mother, Rita Daniels, who in the interview claimed that her daughter was 20 as at the time she married.
The lawmaker urged members of the public to approach all claims with caution and discernment especially taking into account the actress’ current mental condition.
“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. These claims are entirely untrue and misleading.
“For clarity, 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. I informed her that I would keep this document in my possession, and I have done so since that day.
“I have also seen a BBC interview Her mom granted after our marriage regarding her age.
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 facts are verifiable and indisputable. Until this is done, I urge the public to approach all her claims with caution and discernment especially taking into account her current mental condition having started and abandoned her rehabilitation from illegal drug addiction.” Nwoko wr