Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against social media influencer Timothy Gabriel, also known as Tuma, over alleged defamatory and misleading statements made against him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ned Nwoko Media Directorate and released to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday.
According to Nwoko, Gabriel had not only hurled baseless accusations at him and Regina Daniels but also publicly dared them to respond, even inviting legal action. “That challenge has now been accepted,” Nwoko stated.
He condemned Gabriel’s actions as irresponsible and malicious, saying that no one has the right to defame others or use social media platforms as a shield for falsehoods and provocations.
“We have noted the vile, reckless, and intentionally damaging remarks made by Timothy Gabriel and his attempts to disguise lawlessness as activism or press freedom,” the statement read.
Nwoko stressed that Gabriel’s repeated defamatory claims were not only directed at his wife but at him as well, with the clear intent to incite and tarnish reputations. “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to defame, blackmail, or incite hatred,” he said, emphasizing that online platforms are not above the law.
The senator revealed that his legal team, which also represents Regina Daniels, has begun taking steps to prosecute Gabriel and any collaborators. This will include both criminal and civil legal actions, backed by what he described as “overwhelming evidence.”
He described the influencer’s statements particularly those relating to paternity and personal conduct as dangerous lies that warrant serious legal consequences.
Nwoko also criticized those defending Gabriel’s conduct under the guise of human rights or free speech, insisting that such freedoms do not cover deliberate falsehoods.
“Mr. Gabriel and any co-conspirators should prepare to face the law. The real battle is not on social media but in the courtroom, where facts and the rule of law will prevail,” Nwoko said.
He concluded by assuring the public that defamatory acts will not be tolerated under the pretense of activism and pledged to set a legal precedent in court.
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