Nigerian actress Regina Daniels has publicly appealed for an end to online insults directed at her mother, Rita Daniels, amidst a deepening marital conflict with her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.
In a video posted on Instagram, Daniels described her mother as “the best thing that has ever happened to me” and an “earthly god,” urging her followers and the public to cease any derogatory remarks against her.
The conflict first gained widespread attention in October, when a tearful video clip of Daniels accusing her husband of domestic violence went viral. In response, Nwoko fired back with allegations that Daniels is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, and accused her of being violent toward his staff.
The situation intensified this week when Regina claimed that Nwoko orchestrated the arrest of her brothers and threatened her younger sister with detention, allegedly to pressure her into returning to the marriage and entering rehabilitation. “Someone please help me! I feel like I’m losing my mind. My big brother and big sister have been arrested… until I return and, according to him, return to rehab,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, her mother, Rita Daniels, posted a video stating that the Daniels family made significant sacrifices for Nwoko’s political rise, including a reported US $50,000 contribution from Regina to his campaign, and dismissed claims that her daughter married for wealth.
Reflecting on her decision to marry, Regina Daniels revealed that her family including her mother and brother warned her against marrying Nwoko. She disclosed that she “almost committed suicide” when faced with their opposition.
she emphasised that her marriage was based on love, not financial motivations: “Stop saying I got married out of greed. We were not broke. I fell in love. I am ashamed to say it.” She reiterated that she still cares and respects her husband, despite the conflict: “I still care and respect him. That is love. The only reason I am not fighting you is that I want my children’s surname to be strong.”
The couple married in April 2019 when Daniels was just 19 and Nwoko, a prominent politician and businessman, many years her senior. Their union has been subject to frequent public scrutiny since its inception.
At the time of writing, Nwoko has not issued a public response to the latest round of allegations.