A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has summoned five individuals for allegedly defaming gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, through social media.
Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, Mercy Chinwo’s husband, filed a Direct Criminal Complaint against the five persons for Criminal Defamation, stating that they deliberately spread injurious falsehood, cyber bullying, and cyberstalking.
The defendants, Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie, are scheduled to appear before the court on April 23, 2024.
This legal action follows a similar case involving gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey, who petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to investigate individuals falsely accusing him of fathering Mercy Chinwo’s child.
Bassey’s lawyers allege criminal defamation and cyberstalking against four social media users, including Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid, who claimed on social media that Bassey fathered Mercy Chinwo’s baby.
The lawyers emphasized the gravity of these false accusations, stating that they not only damage Bassey’s reputation but also have broader consequences on personal and professional fronts.
The petition from Bassey’s lawyers highlights the violation of Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, along with Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, arguing that the social media posts amounted to character assassination.
