Absence of Regina Daniels’ Friend, Anthonet Izuegbu, Stalls Arraignment Over Alleged Defamation And Illegal Substances

The arraignment of Ms. Anthonet Izuegbu, a friend of Regina Daniels, wife of Senator Ned Nwoko, was stalled on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to her absence in court.

The case, which is before Justice Ekerete Akpan, involves charges of criminal defamation and allegations relating to controlled and illegal substances. The matter was adjourned to September 15, 2026.

When the matter came up for arraignment on July 16, 2026, the defendant was not present.

The court consequently adjourned the case to the new date. Izuegbu, also known as “Ann”, had reportedly collapsed during a previous court sitting.

Allegations in the Case

According to a statement from the Ned Nwoko media team made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Izuegbu was arrested in connection with criminally defamatory statements allegedly made against the lawmaker.

The team alleged that the statements claimed Senator Nwoko physically assaulted his wife, Mrs. Laila Nwoko, resulting in a miscarriage.

The statement described the claims as false, adding that no such incident occurred and no miscarriage resulted from any alleged violence.

The media team further alleged that Izuegbu was implicated in the procurement of an illegal abortion for Regina Daniels during her marriage to Senator Nwoko.

It stated that the matter is on record and had previously been publicly referenced by Regina Daniels.

The team also referenced a formal witness statement dated October 29, 2025, submitted to the Area Commander, Maitama Police Station.

According to the statement, it detailed allegations that Izuegbu and others were involved in activities including the alleged sourcing, handling, and administration of controlled and illegal substances to Regina Daniels and associated individuals.

The team added 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 lawmaker.

“This post constituted provocation, intimidation, and criminal defamation under applicable law,” the statement said.

The team emphasized that the matter is a law-enforcement issue grounded in evidence, witness testimonies, and due process, and not a social media dispute.

“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 mischaracterize the arrest as suppression or victimisation is false and misleading,’’ the team added.

The case is expected to resume on September 15, 2026.