Absence of Regina Daniels’ Friend, Izuegbu, Stalls Arraignment over “Illegal Substances, Criminal Defamation”

The arraignment of Ms. Anthonet Izuegbu, a friend of actress and estranged wife of Senator Ned Nwoko, Regina Daniels, was stalled on Thursday after the defendant failed to appear in court.

The case, which is before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to September 15, 2026.

Izuegbu is facing charges bordering on criminal defamation and the alleged procurement, handling, and administration of controlled and illegal substances to Regina Daniels and other associates.

—Court proceedings—

The defendant, who was said to have collapsed during her last court appearance, was absent on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Regina Daniels and Anthonet Izuegbu

Following her absence, the court deferred the arraignment to the next date.

Izuegbu, also known as “Ann,” was previously arrested for allegations of criminal defamation against Senator Nwoko.

—Allegations by the Nwoko media team—

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Ned Nwoko media team said Izuegbu’s arrest was not about a social media dispute but a law enforcement matter backed by evidence and witness statements.

The team said the charges relate to “criminally defamatory statements” allegedly made by Izuegbu accusing the lawmaker of physically assaulting his wife, Mrs. Laila Nwoko, and causing a miscarriage.

“These claims are entirely false as no such incident occurred, and no miscarriage resulted from any alleged violence.

“The statements were made without evidence and form part of a coordinated attempt to reinforce previously circulated and unsubstantiated domestic violence allegations,” the statement read.

The team further alleged that Izuegbu was implicated in procuring an illegal abortion for Regina Daniels during her lawful marriage to Senator Nwoko.

“The incident occurred after the marriage, notwithstanding subsequent attempts to reframe the timeline.

“The legality of the act does not change based on narrative adjustments. The matter is on record and has previously been publicly referenced by Regina herself,” it added.

According to the team, a formal witness statement dated October 29, 2025, and submitted to the Area Commander, Maitama Police Station, detailed “repeated ongoing activities” involving Izuegbu and others.

It alleged that she “routinely sourced, handled, and administered controlled and illegal substances to Regina and associated individuals.”

The statement also noted that Izuegbu’s arrest followed a public social media post in which she allegedly issued threats, made derogatory remarks, and repeated defamatory accusations against Mrs. Laila Nwoko and the Senator.

“This post constituted provocation, intimidation, and criminal defamation under applicable law.

“It is important to emphasise that this matter is not a social media dispute but a law-enforcement issue grounded in evidence, witness testimonies, and due process.

“Any attempt to mischaracterise the arrest as suppression or victimisation is false and misleading,” the team stated.

The matter will now come up for arraignment on September 15, 2026.