The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 has summoned five social media users to appear in court for allegedly defaming gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
The court summons, dated April 3, 2024, requires the defendants to appear in person on April 23, 2024, to respond to the charges filed against them by the complainants.
Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo, the complainants in the case, have named five defendants: Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.
The legal action stems from posts made by the defendants following Mercy Chinwo and her husband sharing a photo of their son on Instagram.
The defendants suggested a resemblance between the child and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, insinuating that he was the real father.
The complainants responded by filing a criminal complaint, claiming that the defendants’ actions were cyber intimidation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking.
Their lawyers stated that the defendants had violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015, causing reputational harm and cyberstalking.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna reviewed the complaint and instructed the five defendants to appear in court and address the charges on April 23, 2024.
