The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, has issued a summons to five social media users following their alleged involvement in the defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
In a court summons dated April 3, 2024, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna directed the defendants, Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie, to appear in person before the court on April 23, 2024. They are to answer to charges levelled against them by the complainants, Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo.
The legal action stems from posts made by the defendants after Mercy Chinwo and her husband shared a picture of their son on Instagram last week. Allegations were made by the defendants suggesting a resemblance between the baby and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, insinuating that he was the father. These claims quickly gained traction and circulated widely on social media.
In response, the complainants, represented by their lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, filed a criminal complaint. They accused the defendants of cyber intimidation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking targeted at their persons.
According to the complainants, the actions of the defendants contravene Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
In light of the seriousness of the allegations, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna has ordered the defendants to appear before the court on the specified date to answer the charges brought against them.
