Marital feud : HURIWA urges Ned Nwoko to release brother-in-law from detention

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted what it called the “unconstitutional and extra-legal” involvement of the Nigeria Police Force in the domestic issues surrounding Senator Ned Nwoko and his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels.

The civil rights group urged Nwoko to facilitate the release of his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Ojeogwu, popularly known as SammyWest, who was reportedly remanded in prison custody.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said it had received several appeals from residents of Delta North and members of the public alleging that Regina Daniels’ family members were being repeatedly harassed by the police.

According to the group, many of the callers pleaded for its intervention “to bring an end to the ordeal” faced by the family of the senator’s estranged wife.

“Most of our callers have asked if there is a way we can help out because according to the allegations, the distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko allegedly ordered the arbitrary arrest and then illegally locked up Regina Daniels’ brother in Suleja prison. The callers also alleged that: ‘Now he wants to arrest the mum,’” the statement said.

HURIWA criticized the police for what it described as a pattern of abuse, claiming that officers have continued to tarnish the institution’s global image by acting as “agents of arbitrary arrest” for influential Nigerians.

“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to direct his officers to show professionalism and stay off domestic and civil-related matters of couples having marital squabbles,” it said. “It is one of the most debasing behaviours of the police that they let themselves be seen as oppressors who can be paid to use brute force against the weak, especially when the weak have disagreements with persons considered rich and powerful.”

The association urged Nwoko to order the immediate release of his brother-in-law and seek an amicable resolution through traditional or community-based arbitration.

“Quarrels and disagreements between couples are not criminal matters that should involve the police,” HURIWA added. “It is unconstitutional for the police to frame up the weak just to satisfy the rich and powerful… The police as an institution has degenerated to doing the bidding of those who can settle them.”

The rights group further warned that if the situation persists, it would petition the Police Service Commission.

“Assuming without conceding that there is a reason for police to step in, it is unconstitutional to use the magistrate court to arrive at a predetermined denial of the fundamental human rights to freedom from arbitrary arrests and detention,” the statement continued.

HURIWA said both Nwoko and Daniels have the right to decide their association freely.

“The police can’t be an instrument of coercion to compel an estranged wife to return to her home,” it noted. “The couple must be allowed to work out their reunification in their own terms… The police doesn’t have any role in marital squabbles except if a case of domestic violence is established.”

The group’s statement follows recent claims by Regina Daniels, who alleged that her husband used his influence to arrest her siblings and was pressuring her to return to “rehab.”

In a series of posts on Instagram, the 24-year-old actress said her elder brother and sister were in police custody while her younger sister risked arrest if she refused to comply with Nwoko’s demands.

“Someone please help me! I feel like I’m losing my mind. My big brother and big sister have been arrested, my baby sister might be arrested soon as well until I return and according to him, return to rehab,” she wrote. “Don’t even get me started on your stupid rehab talk! You said I’m a drug addict… What other name can you call me? A prostitute?”

“Imagine the Nigerian police beating up my brother like a criminal. What exactly was the violent arrest for? Ned, you have power, connections and money right? Wild for you to think I have none,” she added.

Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019 and shares two sons with him, lamented that their private matters had become public.

“It is obvious it’s war! And a big shame that the beautiful legacy we built is about to be ridiculed by the whole world. Must things go completely south if partners are no longer interested?” she wrote.

Nwoko had earlier accused the actress of drug and alcohol abuse, insisting she needed rehabilitation. In a statement on his Instagram page, he said her “emotional outburst” was the result of substance misuse.