Senator Ned Nwoko has dismissed claims that a recent negative drug test involving his wife, actress Regina Daniels, proves she has never used drugs, describing the narrative as “misleading and disingenuous”.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his communication team, the senator said temporary abstinence should not be confused with sobriety or long-term recovery.
Why this matters
The dispute has reignited conversations around substance use, recovery, mental health, and how medical evidence is presented in public and legal spaces.
It also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping sensitive personal and legal narratives.
What the statement says
In the statement, Senator Nwoko’s team said:
“DON’T BE FOOLED: TEMPORARY ABSTINENCE IS NOT SOBRIETY.”
The statement argues that stopping drug use for a short period does not resolve the deeper issues that led to earlier interventions.
“Temporary abstinence, does not erase the underlying challenges that brought this situation to light.”
It added that recovery requires long-term commitment and professional support, not public validation.
“Recovery and accountability are not matters for social media posts or public engagement, they require sustained effort, honesty, and a genuine engagement with professional support.”
Disputed drug test results
According to the statement, the conditions under which the recent drug test was conducted remain unclear.
“The conditions under which this recent test was conducted remain unclear.”
In contrast, it said earlier findings of drug and alcohol use were established through independent medical assessments.
“Earlier findings of drugs and alcohol use were established through assessments conducted by two independent, reputable centres in Nigeria and South Africa.”
The team stressed that these reports were professionally documented and will be defended in court.
“These reports were professionally compiled, formally documented, and will be presented and defended in court, and the centres involved will be subpoenaed to testify to their findings.”
On MDMA (Molly)
The statement also addressed public discussions around MDMA, commonly known as Molly.
“There has also been an attempt to dilute the seriousness of the substance referred to as MDMA (Molly), regardless of how casually it is referenced or repackaged in language, it is a drug.”
It warned against downplaying its risks.
“Renaming it does not alter its chemical composition, its risks, or its impact on judgment and stability.”
Court ruling and custody
Senator Nwoko’s team said the matter predates its public exposure and involves court-ordered conditions.
“When the court gave judgement in favour of Senator Ned having custody, and dismissing all Unsubstantiated human rights abuse claims they brought forward last year, the court order stated that Regina should go for supervised therapy with evidence of same.”
They said efforts were made to keep the matter private.
“We did not make it a time for public show.”
Support and rehabilitation efforts
The statement said Senator Nwoko explored multiple support options, including private rehabilitation.
“Long before this matter became public, Senator Ned Nwoko explored every possible avenue to provide support, including private rehabilitation for structured, sustained therapy.”
It added that denial undermines recovery.
“Denial is never a foundation for sustainable therapy. The first step is to own up to the existing problem.”
Public reaction
The issue has divided opinion online, with some supporters defending Regina Daniels’ right to privacy, while others argue that medical and legal processes should not be played out on social media.
What happens next
Senator Nwoko’s team said any test result must stand up to legal scrutiny.
“Any test conducted anywhere in the world will face court scrutiny and should be ready when subpoenaed, to defend results just like the Nigerian and South African labs.”
They added that the court may appoint an independent laboratory.
“Court would for clarity, appoint a credible laboratory for verification of claims.”
