Senator Ned Nwoko, (APC, Delta North), has announced plans to begin legal proceedings against a social media influencer, Timothy Gabriel, also known as Tumma. According to the senator, Gabriel made false and damaging allegations against him and his wife, actress Regina Daniels.
In a statement released by his media team, Nwoko said Gabriel had not only made defamatory claims but had openly dared him to respond, inviting legal action. The senator confirmed that this challenge had been accepted, and legal steps were now in motion.
“We have taken full notice of the vile, reckless, and malicious statements made by one Timothy Gabriel, alias Tuma,” the statement read. “He spewed defamatory lies against Regina Daniels, my wife and accomplished actress, and also myself, repeatedly, with clear intent to provoke, incite, and destroy reputations.”
Nwoko argued that democracy does not mean people are free to damage others’ reputations and hide behind activism or freedom of expression. He said it was wrong for anyone to use the internet as a shield to make dangerous claims without facing consequences.
“There is no democracy anywhere in the world where freedom of speech includes freedom to defame, blackmail, or incite hatred under the guise of online influence,” he said. “The internet is not above the law. Those who think they can assassinate character and go unpunished are about to face the full weight of Nigeria’s legal system.”
Legal Team Assembles Case for Court Action
Nwoko confirmed that he and Regina Daniels had directed their legal team to begin both criminal and civil proceedings against Gabriel. He added that the evidence against the influencer was substantial and would be presented in court.
“My legal team also representing Regina Daniels-Nwoko is already taking every step necessary to prosecute Gabriel and his enablers through every legal means available,” he noted. “This includes both criminal defamation and civil suits, for which the evidence is overwhelming.”
According to the senator, Gabriel’s allegations regarding paternity and personal conduct were not only false but dangerous and potentially criminal.
He also issued a warning to those who were supporting or defending Gabriel’s actions. He said such behaviour, under the pretext of human rights advocacy or online freedom, would not shield them from the law.
“Mr Gabriel and any co-conspirators should prepare to face the law in the most decisive manner,” he stated. “The real trouble has only just begun, and it will not be fought on social media, but in court, through the strength of evidence and the rule of law.”
Nwoko maintained that character defamation is not a form of activism. He added that the courtroom would be used to set a firm legal example that free speech must not be abused.
“Let the public be assured; defamation is not activism, and I will ensure that the lines are drawn clearly in the courtroom,” he concluded.
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