Senator Ned Nwoko has debunked reports alleging that he married his wife, Regina, when she was 17 years old, describing the claims as “entirely untrue and misleading.”

In a statement on Thursday, the lawmaker clarified that Regina was 21 years old when they met. “During my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21 years old. I further asked if she had any document to support this, and she presented her INEC voter’s card, which clearly shows that she was born on October 10, 1998,” he stated.

Nwoko added that he has kept the voter’s card in his possession since that day and cited a BBC interview granted by Regina’s mother after their marriage as further confirmation of her age.

“According to all verifiable records, our marriage took place six years ago, which means Regina is 27 years old today. Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public,” he said.

The senator also urged the public to exercise caution regarding Regina’s recent statements, alleging that her “current mental condition” and “abandoned rehabilitation from illegal drug addiction” have contributed to her spreading misinformation.

However, activist and politician Omoyele Sowore challenged Nwoko’s claims, accusing him of attempting to mislead the public.

“Senator Chinedu ‘Ned’ Nwoko of the APC may believe he can outsmart the public, but the record tells a different story,” Sowore said in a statement.

According to him, “Evidence now in the public domain shows that he entered into marriage with Regina Ojeogwu when she was still a teenager, and that the couple later travelled abroad soon after she turned 18.”

Sowore further alleged that Nwoko personally handled her travel documents and accused him of using his influence to intimidate critics.

“The same senator, long known for flaunting wealth and influence, has frequently used the now disgraced Nigeria Police Force to intimidate and detain members of his estranged wife’s family and others speaking against his well-documented impunity. This pattern of harassment must stop,” he said.

He added, “Nigeria cannot claim to stand for justice while people with immense political power and questionable fortunes use state institutions as private weapons. Justice must mean accountability, even for the rich and well-connected. Impunity must end.”