A chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has summoned five social media users accused of defaming gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
Court Summons:
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued a summons dated April 3, 2024, directing the five defendants to appear before the court on April 23, 2023, to address the allegations against them.
Parties Involved:
The complainants, Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo, are taking legal action against Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.
Incident Trigger:
The lawsuit stems from social media posts made by the defendants following the couple’s Instagram post of their son, born in 2023. The accused using their social media handle highlighted the semblance between the baby and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, speculating the possibility of the later being the real father.
Legal Complaint:
The complainants’ legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, filed a criminal complaint citing cyber intimidation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking under Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
Response from Nathaniel Bassey:
A day prior, Nathaniel Bassey petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate and prosecute some of the defendants for criminal defamation and cyberstalking.
