Nigerian billionaire and politician Ned Nwoko has sparked mixed reactions after releasing what he claims is definitive proof regarding his wife Regina Daniels' age, countering allegations that he married her when she was underage.
Social Media Allegations Prompt Response
The controversy began when social media reports circulated claiming that Nwoko had married the Nollywood actress when she was just 17 years old. These allegations gained traction across various platforms, prompting the politician to take action.
In response, Nwoko shared a screenshot of Regina Daniels' INEC voters card, which he stated she provided during their first meeting as proof of her age. According to Nwoko, Daniels told him she was 21 years old when they first met and presented the voters card as evidence.
Strategic Foresight Praised
The disclosure prompted praise from some quarters, particularly from X user @sirdavidbent, who commended Nwoko's foresight in keeping the document safely over time.
"A very intelligent man. He literally thought of everything & partially envisaged that a day like this would come," DavidBent wrote in his post that subsequently went viral.
Nwoko explained that he had maintained possession of the voters card precisely because he anticipated it might be needed to address future controversies. He also referenced a BBC interview given by Daniels' mother after their marriage that further confirmed her age.
Public Reactions Divided
The revelation sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media platforms. While some praised Nwoko's strategic thinking, others expressed concern about the privacy implications of sharing personal documents publicly.
One user named Disciplinarian commented: "This guy's foresight is scary good. That voter's card is solid evidence."
Another user, Emye, expressed disapproval: "But this is not right. He's exposing her to more harm by releasing her details to the public."
Supporters quickly countered this perspective, with Akogun responding: "U want him to keep quiet and allow u all to destroy d reputation of the potential First Governor of Anioma State."
According to verifiable records, the marriage took place six years ago, making Daniels 27 years old today. Nwoko emphasized that suggestions the marriage occurred when she was 17 were completely false and misleading.
The politician also addressed Daniels' current situation, noting that she had begun but abandoned rehabilitation for illegal drug use. He urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when considering statements made by her, taking her circumstances into account.
The incident has highlighted ongoing discussions about celebrity privacy, age verification, and the lengths public figures must go to protect their reputations in the digital age.