Nigerian lawmaker Senator Ned Nwoko has provided clarification on the arrest of Ann Izuegbu Anthonet, the best friend of his estranged wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.
The arrest has sparked public debate after Daniels questioned the legality and motives behind the action on January 14, alleging a series of shifting accusations against her friend, from drug-related claims to theft allegations.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Nwoko’s communication team dismissed Daniels’ account as “false, reckless, and deliberately intended to distort the facts.” According to the statement, Ann was arrested for criminal defamation and involvement in procuring an illegal abortion.
Key points from Nwoko’s team:
- Criminal Defamation: Ann allegedly made public claims that Nwoko physically assaulted Laila Nwoko, resulting in a miscarriage. Nwoko’s team says these claims are entirely false and part of a coordinated attempt to reinforce unsubstantiated domestic violence narratives.
- Procurement of Illegal Abortion: Ann is accused of orchestrating an illegal abortion for Regina Daniels during her marriage to Nwoko, reportedly using substances that caused prolonged bleeding. The team said the matter is on record and was previously referenced publicly by Daniels herself.
- Use of Illegal Substances: A formal witness statement submitted to Maitama Police Station in October 2025 implicates Ann in sourcing and administering controlled substances to Daniels and others.
The statement emphasised that Ann’s arrest followed a social media post deemed threatening and defamatory toward the Nwoko family, and that the matter is grounded in evidence and due process, not a social media dispute.
The private feud between Nwoko and Daniels became public in October 2025, after a viral video showed Daniels alleging domestic violence. Nwoko claimed the actress struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, while Daniels alleged her addiction was orchestrated by Nwoko as a means of control and manipulation.
Recently, Daniels confirmed that a warrant had been issued for her and some family members over allegations of stealing $40,000 from Nwoko’s residence.
Nwoko’s team urged the public to rely on verified facts and allow law enforcement to handle the matter without interference from social media speculation.