The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 has issued a summons for five social media users to appear in court regarding alleged criminal defamation of the reputation of renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
The summons, dated April 3, 2024, requires the defendants to appear in person on April 23, 2024, to address the charges filed against them by the complainants.
Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo initiated the legal action, identifying the defendants as Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Samuel Agozie and Terrence Ekot.
The legal dispute arose following posts made by the defendants on social media platforms subsequent to Mercy Chinwo and her husband sharing a photo of their son on Instagram.
The defendants allegedly suggested a resemblance between the child and another gospel artist, Nathaniel Bassey, insinuating that Bassey was the father.
Responding to these claims, the complainants filed a criminal complaint, asserting that the defendants’ actions amounted to cyber intimidation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking.
Legal representatives for the complainants argued that the defendants’ conduct contravened Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015. They contended that these actions inflicted reputational damage and constituted cyberstalking.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna, upon reviewing the complaint, has mandated the five defendants to appear in court on April 23, 2024, to address the charges leveled against them.
