Court Summons Five Persons for Defamation in Mercy Chinwo Paternity Saga

In the ongoing paternity saga involving gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 has summoned five social media users for criminal defamation of the couple’s reputations.

The summons, dated April 3, 2024, calls for the defendants to appear in person before the court on April 23, 2024.

The five defendants, Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie, have been accused by Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa, of cyber intimidation, injurious lying, and cyberstalking.

The allegations stem from the defendants’ social media posts claiming that the couple’s son, who was born in 2023, resembles another gospel musician, Nathaniel Bassey, and suggesting that he is the child’s father.

The legal action was initiated by the couple, represented by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, an Abuja-based law firm.

They argue that the defendants’ actions have violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.

The complaint alleges that the defendants’ conduct has severely damaged the reputations and images of Mercy Chinwo and her husband both in Nigeria and globally.

The summons marks a significant step in the case, as the court will now hear arguments from both parties in the matter.

The outcome of the case may have far-reaching implications for the use of social media and the potential legal consequences of making defamatory statements online.

As the case progresses, the public and the media will be watching closely to see how the court addresses the issues raised by the couple and their legal representatives.

The outcome of this case may also serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible social media usage and the potential legal consequences of defamatory statements.

In the meantime, the focus remains on the upcoming court date and the response of the defendants to the summons.

The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Mercy Chinwo and her husband’s personal lives, as well as on the broader conversation surrounding the use of social media and the legal implications of defamatory statements.