The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, has summoned five social media users for “criminal defamation” of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
In a court summons dated April 3, 2024, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the five defendants to appear in court on April 23, 2023, to face accusations against the complainants.
The complainants in this case are Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo, while the five defendants are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.
The claim originated from the defendants’ posts last week, after the gospel singer and her husband shared an Instagram photo of their son. After posting a picture of the baby, who was born in 2023, the defendants claimed that the infant resembled another gospel musician, Nathaniel Bassey, and that he was the father, an allegation that went viral.
Mercy Chinwo and her husband filed a criminal complaint against the defendants, lead by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, alleging cyber intimidation, injurious lying, and cyberstalking directed at their persons.
The complainants claimed the defendants’ alleged conduct violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.
The “individuals criminally injured the reputation and image of the complainants across the globe resulting from their intentional defamatory posts and an act of cyberstalking,” the lawyers stated in a criminal complaint filed before the magistrate.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna then directed the five defendants to appear in court on April 23, 2024, to answer the allegations.
Nathaniel Bassey petitions the IGP.
Bassey has also taken action on the issue. Through his attorneys, the ‘Jesus Iye’ crooner petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to investigate and punish four individuals for defamation and cyberstalking. Bassey’s petition includes four social media users: Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid.
Bassey’s lawyers claimed that the four people’ alleged activities violated Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).
“The ramifications of making such things on social media have been known to ruin individuals’ reputations, disrupt relationships, and many never recover from them. International reputation is a valuable asset—both for individuals and for nations—that takes years to build.
“Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others.”
Bassey, sometimes known as “Pastor Nath,” is the organizer of the online interdenominational worship program Hallelujah Challenge. In addition, he serves as pastor of a Redeemed Christian Church of God church.
