As social media buzzes with allegations of domestic abuse involving Nollywood star Regina Daniels and her billionaire husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, a growing number of Nigerians are revisiting the painful experiences of other female celebrities who have survived domestic violence in their relationships and marriages.

 

While the Regina Daniels controversy remains unconfirmed, the viral nature of the allegations has reignited conversations around intimate partner violence, a long-standing issue that continues to affect women across Nigeria — even those in the limelight.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, can manifest as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, including threats, coercion, and control. And while fame often comes with glamour, for some celebrities, it has also hidden personal battles behind closed doors.

 

Below is a look at notable Nigerian female celebrities who have come forward to share their painful experiences and triumphs over domestic abuse:

🔹 Monalisa Chinda

 

The Nollywood veteran opened up in 2014 about enduring domestic abuse in her first marriage. The emotional and physical trauma led to the end of the union. She has since remarried, finding love again with Tonye Victor.

🔹 Fathia Balogun

 

A top actress in the Yoruba movie industry, Fathia’s marriage to actor Saidi Balogun ended amid allegations of abuse and irreconcilable differences. Though both have remained largely silent about the details, industry insiders often point to domestic violence as a contributing factor.

🔹 Tiwa Savage

 

Nigeria’s award-winning singer Tiwa Savage made headlines when she revealed that her ex-husband, Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, was abusive both before and during their marriage. Though the marriage ended years ago, the scars and conversations it sparked remain relevant today.

🔹 Tonto Dikeh

 

Never one to shy away from the truth, Tonto Dikeh went public in 2018 with claims that her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, repeatedly beat her. She shared disturbing footage and claimed religious leaders were brought in to cover up the abuse.

 

🔹 Chika Ike

 

When Chika Ike finalized her divorce, she faced intense criticism online. However, the actress bravely shared that her former husband physically abused her for years, even causing a miscarriage during one of their fights.

🔹 Georgina Onuoha

 

Veteran actress Georgina Onuoha has often reflected on her traumatic experience in her former marriage to Dr. C. Igwegbe. Through social media posts and interviews, she has encouraged women to speak out and heal, citing her own journey through pain, hate, and eventual forgiveness.

🔹 Etinosa Idemudia

 

In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, actress Etinosa recounted her battle with domestic violence at just 22 years old. Her then-husband’s constant abuse pushed her into substance abuse as a coping mechanism, a dark chapter she bravely overcame.

 

🔹 Mercy Aigbe

 

In 2017, actress and businesswoman Mercy Aigbe posted photos of injuries she allegedly sustained from her ex-husband Lanre Gentry, igniting public outrage and awareness around domestic abuse. She has since become a strong voice in anti-violence advocacy and remarried in 2022 to Kazim Adeoti.

These stories highlight just a fraction of the silent suffering many women endure — even in the public eye. The recent controversy surrounding Regina Daniels, whether confirmed or not, serves as a reminder that domestic violence knows no status, fame, or fortune.

With mounting social pressure and growing advocacy, there’s hope that more support systems, legal protections, and awareness will continue to grow in Nigeria. For many survivors, speaking out is not just a personal healing journey — it’s a bold stand against a culture of silence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Nigeria, call the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or reach out to NGOs such as WARIF (Women at Risk International Foundation) for confidential support.