The internet is buzzing with reactions following the circulation of a purported passport belonging to Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which allegedly shows she was born on October 10, 2001, suggesting she was 17 years old when she married billionaire businessman Ned Nwoko in May, 2019.
The viral document has triggered widespread debate online, with Nigerians sharply divided over the issue. While some users condemned the marriage, others argued that her family’s consent at the time made the union legitimate.
One user wrote:
“Una dey tell us all these make we do wetin? Was Regina an orphan? She no get mama and papa and even siblings that time? … Same internet space unna celebrated all the juicy part of the billionaire marriage. Abeg make unna carry unna problems shift. Nigeria has bigger issues at hand.”
Another commenter emphasized that the actress’s family had willingly given her out in marriage, saying:
“But her people gave her willingly to him. He married her traditionally for goodness sake. Meaning her mother and elders were present, so no be backyard business dem do. Make una dead this issue jare.”
Others, however, placed the blame squarely on Regina’s mother, accusing her of prioritizing wealth over her daughter’s wellbeing.
“Regina’s mother should be blamed for her predicament. Ned only treated her the way he got her,” one person commented.
Another user added:
“Personally, I believe they told Ned she was older than her actual age. After the wedding, even if Ned realised her true age, he wouldn’t care. On all sides, greediness played a massive role. Unfortunately, an underage child was left unprotected and became the sacrificial lamb.”
A few defended the marriage, stressing that it followed customary tradition.
“Thank God he is not a poor man… she was not forced, she did only customary marriage which has no age specification. Make una leave emotion.”
However, some compared the case to that of disgraced American singer R. Kelly, suggesting that consent from parents does not absolve legal responsibility when a minor is involved.
“His case is kinda similar to that of R. Kelly… the girl’s parents were involved but the U.S. doesn’t care — as long as she’s a minor, if you’re caught, you’ll face the law.”
As of now, Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko have not commented on the viral passport or the heated online discussions surrounding it.