What was once seen as a fairy-tale union between Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and billionaire businessman and senator Ned Nwoko has now become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity controversies.

After months of speculation about trouble in their marriage, the situation escalated publicly in late 2025, following a series of viral videos, counter-allegations, and an ongoing legal battle over custody of their two sons.

How the Controversy Began

The crisis gained national attention on October 17, 2025, when a video surfaced online showing a visibly emotional Regina Daniels. In the footage, the actress alleged mistreatment in her marriage, declaring:

“In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing. But in my house, I am a queen.”

Regina claimed she had been harassed and could no longer endure what she described as violence within the household. Her brother, Sammy West, publicly supported her account, accusing the senator of physically abusing her.

Ned Nwoko Responds

Senator Ned Nwoko firmly denied all allegations of abuse, describing the viral video as staged and likening it to a scripted Nollywood scene. According to him, the recording was made while he was out of the country.

To support his claims, the senator released what he described as evidence, including medical reports from laboratories in Nigeria and South Africa, which he said indicated the presence of illegal substances in Regina Daniels’ system. He also shared WhatsApp messages alleging concerns about her behaviour and refusal to undergo rehabilitation.

Additionally, Nwoko released CCTV footage which he claimed showed Regina’s brother, Sammy West, behaving aggressively toward household staff and children during his absence. This footage, according to the senator, led to Sammy’s subsequent arrest.

The Drug Test Dispute

In January 2026, Regina Daniels travelled to the United Kingdom, where she took an independent drug test. She later shared the results online, stating that the test was negative for hard drugs and that she undertook it to clear her name, especially for the sake of her children.

While she admitted to past recreational drug use, Regina denied being addicted. Senator Nwoko, however, dismissed the test results, arguing that a single test did not invalidate earlier medical records he claimed to possess.

Court Proceedings and Custody Rulings

The dispute has since moved to the courts. According to reports, the court granted Senator Nwoko temporary custody of their two sons, Munir and Khalifa.

Regina Daniels was reportedly ordered to undergo supervised therapy and demonstrate sobriety before being allowed unrestricted access to the children.

Another point of contention is the legality of their marriage. Regina has publicly stated that they were never legally married under statutory law, insisting the union was purely traditional. Legal experts note that while the couple married under customary law in 2019, questions surrounding her age at the time could complicate the legal standing of the marriage.

Where Things Stand

Sammy West has since been arrested and charged with offences including criminal conspiracy and theft. Regina Daniels has continued to express distress over the situation, claiming she is being pressured by her husband’s influence and power.

The final court hearing, expected to determine the future of the marriage and custody of the children, is scheduled for February 4, 2026.

As legal proceedings continue, both parties maintain their positions, leaving the public watching closely as one of Nigeria’s most high-profile marital disputes unfolds.