Kunle Edun, SAN

Introduction

Senator Chinedu Munir Nwoko (born 21 December, 1960), popularly known as Ned Nwoko, is a Nigerian Lawyer , philanthropist, and politician who serves currently as the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State. Regina Daniels on the other hand, is a Nigerian Nollywood actress, film producer and brand influencer. The duo reportedly got married in 2019 under the Aniocha native law and custom (as there has been no formal record of a civil wedding), and the union is blessed with two sons. However, sometime in October 2025, the marriage hit rock bottom with a video which surfaced online where Regina Daniels was found seated on the floor crying and lamenting, thus – “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing. But, in my house, I am a queen. I can’t stand the violence anymore; it’s too much”. The video has however, gone on to spark a lot of conversation(s) on social media, from the issue of underage marriage, drug abuse, mental health, domestic violence, arrest and detention of Regina’s siblings.

Relevant Statutory Provisions on the Matter

Stemming from the above, there have been a lot of issues which have formed a legal discourse over time and they are quite concerning. They are:

Underage Marriage

The principal legislation which regulates the conduct and celebration of marriages in Nigeria is the Marriage Act Cap. 218 LFRN (hereinafter referred to as the Act). This Act recognises three different types of marriages; the Statutory Marriage, Marriage under Native law and Custom and Islamic marriage. Thus, although the Act recognises the various types of marriage, it only regulates marriages conducted under the Act, that is, statutory marriage. Unfortunately, the Act does not stipulate what the legal age for marriage is, but with the combined provisions of Sections 18 & 48 of the Act,  the legal age for marriage in Nigeria could be said to be 21 years. 

From the above, it can be argued that the marriage between Regina Daniels and Senator Ned Nwoko took place when Regina Daniels was 20 years old, as same has been re-affirmed by Regina Daniels’ voter’s card which was posted online by Senator Nwoko on his social media page; although other unverified reports indicate that she was 17 years of age at the time of the marriage. Nevertheless, consent was reported to have been given by her parents which exculpates Senator Nwoko (see Section 18 of the Act). 

In conclusion, it is instructive to note that while the above may apply to a marriage conducted under the Act, the marriage of Senator Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels was one done under native law and custom. Hence, the position of the law under the marriage Act does not apply to their marriage; rather it is the Aniocha Native law and custom that applies. 

Domestic Violence 

While there is no particular legislation in Nigeria dedicated towards dealing with the issue of domestic and marital violence, the Criminal Code 1990 made provisions for criminalising Assault and Battery as contained in Sections 252 & 253, as well as Section 2 – 5 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 (VAPP). Thus, although Regina Daniels has made claims that she has been severally abused by her husband, those claims must be supported by credible facts to hold sway, as her husband has denied same. Ned Nwoko stated on his social media page that Regina Daniels is the violent one, not him, by uploading videos of the damaged windscreen of his Ferrari Sports car caused by Regina Daniels. The position of the law is settled, on the burden and standard of proof when a person is alleged to have committed a crime. The onus of proof is on the Prosecution who asserts, and the standard of proof is proof beyond reasonable doubt. Section 131 of the Evidence Act 2023 (as amended) speaks to this. 

Arrest and Detention of Regina Daniels’ Brother, Sammy

It was alleged that some days after Regina Daniels moved out of Ned Nwoko’s house, her brother was arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police Force reportedly on the orders of the Ned Nwoko. While the Nigeria Police Force are empowered under Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 to effect arrest upon complaints by individuals and the public at large, such powers must be exercised within the limit of the law, otherwise it will be abused.  I think the detention of Regina’s brother, Sammy was unnecessary, and it took almost 2 weeks. No capital offence was alleged. Regina’s sibling ought to have been released to a surety after the arrest, while the Police continued their investigation. It is unlawful and against the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Nigeria Police Establishment Act 2020, to arrest and detain a suspect before commencing investigation. I also have issues with the court, remanding the sibling for some days. That is most unfair. No one alleged that Regina Daniels’ brother is a flight risk, and will jump bail over a non-capital offence. Our criminal courts should simplify the bail process in respect of simple offences and misdemeanours, by either releasing the Defendants on self-recognisance, or release them while giving them time to perfect the bail conditions. 

It is sad that, because of the complexities that our security agencies and the courts have brought into the administration of criminal justice system, the bail process is now very complicated. This was never the intention of the law; as every person charged with an offence is constitutionally presumed innocent until otherwise proven guilty. Sadly also, Defendants whose trials have not even started are forced to undergo longer detention beyond the constitutional limited and  undignified treatments that can be equated to serving the sentence for the offence they were charged, even when trial has not commenced. The big men in the society with the connivance of some bad elements in the security agencies, take advantage of these gaps to haunt, oppress and persecute their less privileged perceived enemies.

Drug Usage/Abuse

Also in the video making rounds on the social media, Ned Nwoko alleged that Regina Daniels does not just do only drugs, but that she is also an addict despite being a mother of 2. He went on to state that, Regina is much calmer and nice when she is not on drugs. Regina Daniels rebutted the allegation that she does drugs, but went further to state that Ned Nwoko encouraged her to use it, as he found her more attractive when engaging in activities in the other room. The usage, management and control of drugs in Nigeria is under the sole jurisdiction of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), established by the NDLEA Act (Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004). Their mandate includes the eradication and elimination of drugs and drug usage, arrest and prosecution of drug trafficker’s and amongst other things, provision of rehabilitation for drug users and addicts. Just recently, the social media reported a leak of the medical report of Regina Daniels purporting to confirm that she was undergoing rehabilitation at a hospital in Abuja. It was also reported that, ‘Mefi’ Nwoko confirmed the content of the leaked medical report. These are serious privacy and confidentiality breaches. Regina Daniels may want to exercise her right, to seek for redress. 

If the allegations of drug abuse are true with respect to Regina Daniels being a drug addict, I expect the NDLEA to have conducted a search of the House of Ned Nwoko, and interrogate the alleged hospital. That is what responsible institutions do in sane countries, all with a view to protecting members of the public from any form of danger or harm. I guess the Police and the NDLEA are still waiting for a special directive from the top, before they will perform their basic and routine duty. Certainly, arresting a big man requires special permission from oga at the top. We joke too much, with serious things. 

Kunle Edun, SAN, former NBA National Publicity Secretary and National Welfare Secretary

Domestic Violence, Child Marriage and Drug Abuse

Mandy Demechi-Asagba

Condemnation of the Unlawful Act of Child Marriage, Domestic Violence and Drug Abuse

Child Marriage is contrary to the Child’s Rights Act, child marriage is a harmful practice that affects the health, education, and well-being of young girls. It is prohibited under the Child’s Rights Act and the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State. Any marriage to a young girl under the age of 18 years is illegal and void ab initio, as a child is incapable of consenting to the marriage. Thus, the man who is of full age married to a minor will be liable to be prosecuted. 

If indeed Regina Daniels was married at the age of 17, it could not be said to be a marriage between two consenting adults, as she was underage. 

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, as defined by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), General Recommendation No. 19 (1992), includes:

“Violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman, or that affects women disproportionately. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty”.

This definition encompasses various forms of violence, including: Physical violence, Sexual violence, Psychological violence and Economic violence.

The CEDAW Committee also recognised that domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence that can include:

a. Acts of physical, sexual, and psychological violence within the family or domestic unit.

b. Acts of violence perpetrated by individuals with whom the woman has a relationship of subordination or dependency.

Nigeria has ratified CEDAW, and is obligated to take measures to eliminate violence against women, including domestic violence. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 is one such measure. Survivors of domestic violence often face character assassination, oppression, and human rights abuses, including violations of their right to privacy (Section 37) and human dignity (Section 34) as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. 

The issue  of domestic violence, recording her without her consent  and character assassination of Regina Daniels by accusing her of drug addiction, and the oppression of her family are all illegality upon illegality. Domestic violence is a crime under the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault law of Lagos State, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP)  Act. 

Same for the criminal act of recording her indecently. It is a constitutional violation of her right to privacy, as well as the oppression of her brother is also violation of his right of non- discrimination on the basis of class and status. These are all indices of power imbalance, in Domestic Violence cases. 

One cannot but wonder how Nigeria allows lawlessness in the hallowed chamber, and/or implementing agencies looking away from such flagrant violations of the supreme law of the land and human rights violations of citizens of this great Nation – the giant of Africa 

On the other hand one cannot but condemn the act of some families, who for financial gain sell their daughters into slavery – yes, the torture, the inhuman and degrading treatment, the stigma, the shame and the humiliation, the mental torture, the physical and emotional trauma, the regrets and the private despair all hidden behind a flawless public facade. 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria’s judgement in FRN v Okeke (2025) 16 NWLR (Pt. 2011) 293, serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to address domestic violence. This landmark case highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked abuse, and emphasises the urgent need for deliberate action to protect vulnerable individuals within marital relationships.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of acknowledging the intricate dynamics of domestic relationships, and the critical role of external intervention in preventing and addressing abuse. As such, it is essential to recognise the interplay between individual autonomy and societal responsibility in maintaining healthy, violence-free relationships. For Regina to get on social media, it must be really bad and life threatening. We as a society cannot afford to look away, nor should the Government. The recent case of domestic violence leading to the death of Temitope Felicia Odu allegedly beaten to death by her husband in Ikorodu, Lagos is one very pathetic case, because the violence had been persistent and known to all their neighbours, however, none took it upon themselves to stop the violence by reporting to the appropriate authorities. Regina has ran to us all for safety, what have we done? 

Drug Abuse

In my opinion, the allegations of drug abuse levelled against Regina Daniels by Senator Nwoko,  is an afterthought. It’s always one story or the other, to paint the victim bad. Being in this field, it is known that the woman is either labelled a psychiatric patient, or a depressed individual in need of medical attention, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, before the woman reported, there was no such referral for treatment  – yes, corruption and or criminals must have a defence. However, drug abuse can be inflicted for sexual pleasures. 

Legal Options

Survivors have legal recourse, including seeking protection orders, filing criminal charges, and accessing support services.

Support and Resources

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA).

Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty ( WAPA).

Citizen’s Rights Directorate.

Women’s rights organisations.

Legal aid services  et al.

Legal Authorities

– Child’s Rights Act.

– Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999  (Sections 34, 37).

– Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.

– Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), General Recommendation No. 19 (1992).

– Domestic and Sexual Offences Law.

Mandy Demechi-Asagba, President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

The Ned-Regina Nwoko Complex Narrative

Lanrewaju Suraju 

Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels’ Saga; Nigeria’s unpunished ‘Diddy’

The very serious case of domestic violence, rape, drug abuse, spousal harassment, rights abuse, property destruction and illegal detention involving a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ned Nwoko, a man embroiled in several cases and forms of controversies, and his glamorous now estranged wife, Regina Daniels, is nothing different from the recent shocking revelation of American rapper and millionaire, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The world was treated to the unbelievable callous, dirty and brutal world of Diddy involving several victims, including his girlfriend. The revelations involved unbridled rape of victims, drug administration and exposure to minors, political and high-profile connections used for intimidation of victims, conspiracy and silence of staff and bodyguards, and prostitution of innocent ladies. 

Because the United States of America will not protect you once caught, Diddy had his day in court and is currently serving his term in a US jail. Puff Daddy is far richer, more famous and highly connected than our Senator Nwoko, but, faced the music for his established and proven crimes. Senator Ned Nwoko is most likely getting promotion for his alleged crimes, and  the stimulant to do more with impunity. 

Unlike the United States where the law enforcement agencies promptly took over Diddy’s mansion to prevent tampering with evidence, and several arrests were made leading to discovery of incriminating evidence and additional charges, the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria (NAPTIP, NDLEA, Police) remain onlookers. You can easily understand why; Ned is above the law, being a member of the privileged upper chamber of the National Assembly; the father of Regina is a nonentity; the fight and crimes are a family affair; and all we have heard are allegations, mere allegations. 

Offences

Domestic violence under the Nigerian law, is considered an intentional and persistent abuse of anyone in a home in such a way that causes pain, harm or distress. Nigerian girls and women are subjected to multiple forms of abuse and violence in the homes, and allowed to suffer in silence. This situation led to the promulgation of the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act (VAPP) in 2015, to specifically cover offences of rape, sexual abuses, domestic violence and other related offences. This was in addition to other existing laws like the Criminal Code and Penal Code. NAPTIP is the agency with the mandate to enforce the VAPP, while the Police is sufficiently empowered to enforce the criminal and penal codes. The use and abuse of drugs freely referenced in the allegations and counter-allegations between Senator Nwoko and Regina when used either by smoking, inhaling or injecting, under the NDLEA Act, on conviction, attracts imprisonment for a term not less than fifteen years but not exceeding 25 years. 

It would be wishful thinking to expect the investigation or arrest of a whole Senator of the Federal Republic under this law, but one can only hope and pray it is not deployed against Regina or some of her family members. 

The purpose of this write up is not to pass any verdict on who is right or wrong in this whole disgusting, very serious and sensitive matter, turned social media joke and fun of weeks and now months, but rather, to expose the lack of proactive gestures on the part of our law enforcement agencies and the shielding of high-profile criminals from accountability, as mark of respect for their social status. It is to condemn the perennial reduction of serious criminal offences like domestic violence, rape and sexual assault in the homes, to “marital affairs” and deodorisation of crimes committed by the affluent as mere indulgence by our institutions and authorities. Whereas, the ordinary man on the street caught smoking, trading or transporting Indian hemp is arrested and hauled to jail, we have read the self-confession of use and abuse of hard drugs in high places without a whimper from relevant authorities. Whichever way it goes, Senator Ned Nwoko is an accomplice to the drug abuse offence, without evidence of his reporting the crime of drug abuse of Regina to law enforcement agencies. This is without conceding that Senator Ned is innocent of procuring and administering the drug, or even complicity in the consumption. If by any chance the allegedly recorded sex video of Regina gets to the public or social media, it would be an indictment on the entire human rights community and particularly, women’s rights group if Senator Ned retains his seat in the National Assembly and not cool his heels in prison, just like, Sean ‘Diddy’ Comb. 

Forgery

I have seen the publicly released international passport of Regina with a completely different surname, Ojeogwu, with a year of birth at 2001. Unfortunately, the voter’s registration card of Regina shared on social media has her surname as Daniels, the surname known to the public. Sadly, it has a different year of birth, 1998. It is interesting to note that Regina’s legal documents had no reflection of her marital connection to Ned, despite all the public displays and flaunts. Both Ned, if the voter’s card was procured after her marriage to Ned, and Regina, are liable to prosecution for forgery with falsification of age as reflected on the card. It’s not too late. The law enforcement agencies (NAPTIP, NDLEA, Police), aren’t created and mandated to enforce laws only to apply selective enforcement based on status. The law is a respecter of no one. 

Olanrewaju Suraju, Public Analyst, Commentator and Activist 

Domestic Violence: A Senator’s Example

P. D. Pius 

VAPP: Protection Against Domestic Violence 

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, was enacted by the National Assembly to offer protection against domestic violence and allied offences. The law has so many innovative solutions that include, seeking protection orders where a family member anticipates domestic violence.

 It is therefore, imperative for family members to take advantage of this law in cases of domestic violence, to seek cover or protection. It may however, be challenging where the person doesn’t have a Lawyer who is familiar with this aspect of law, or does not even have a Lawyer at all. 

When I look at the whole scenario, I see that both sides have not availed themselves the benefit of proper and in-depth legal counsel. Violence in any form is now a criminal offence, and a family member can duly prosecute another who perpetrates violence in the house or family level.

 Allegations of Drug Offences

The part that irks is the allegation and counter-allegations of drug abuse, and the unfortunate blind eyes of the NDLEA. A drug offence, is a drug offence. There are no time limitations, on when one can be prosecuted for a drug offence. So, when individuals or family members come online to accuse each other of drug offences, the law ought to take its course. The NDLEA should have moved in and invited both sides for questioning, and where established that they are in violation of the NDLEA Act, then they should be prosecuted immediately. 

If you want to protect your family, don’t accuse them in public of drug abuse or offences. This is because, there is no time limit for prosecution of criminal offences. Any subsequent administration that is serious with prosecution of drug offences can dust the file, and have you tried before the Federal High Court. The privilege of confidentiality of husband and wife, is only intact when respected. Where the parties have already spilled the beans in public, then they should face the consequences of the confessions they made in public, which is veritable to secure a conviction before the court.

Right to Privacy 

A family is entitled to its privacy. The Constitution is clear, about the right to private and family life. The law is also clear that a house owner can demand a visitor to leave his house, failing which will constitute criminal land trespass among other offences. Where you visit a family relation and he demands that you leave, you are obligated by law to leave. It is therefore, not wrong for a family relation to press charges against you where you refused to vacate his house, even if you came upon his invitation.

Statutory Rape

The Child’s Right Act 2003 places the age of majority for marriage at 18 years. Thus, any carnal knowledge of a child below 18 years, is rape. It is not a defence to say that, it was consensual. There can never be a consent, for a child. This is what is often referred to as, statutory rape. Once it happens, there is no defence at all. It is a strict liability offence, and the offender may be facing life imprisonment or so.

It is therefore imperative, for individuals interested in having such relationships to properly carry out due diligence and ascertain beyond reasonable doubt that their partner is not less than 18 years. This is a duty on the adult, to protect the child. This is more so, that the offence admits of no defence. You can’t say that you tried to enquire, but you were misled. Any mistake on your part, you will be committing a serious offence. Each carnal knowledge is a separate rape. You may therefore, be exposing yourself to multiple rape charges, and any other family member of the child can press charges against you. 

P. D. Pius, Legal Practitioner, Abuja

​