The Abuja magistrate court has taken action by summoning five individuals on charges of "criminal defamation" against the reputations of Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the summons, instructing the defendants to appear in person before the court on April 23, 2023, to address the allegations brought against them. The court summons, dated April 3, 2024, signifies the legal proceedings initiated by the gospel singer and her spouse.
The controversy erupted when certain social media users made contentious claims about the paternity of Mercy Chinwo's son after his image was unveiled for the first time. Allegations surfaced suggesting a resemblance between the child and gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey.
The individuals named in the court summons are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.
This legal action stemmed from the publication of a photo featuring Mercy Chinwo's son on her and her husband's Instagram account. Subsequently, the defendants filed a paternity claim, leading to the initiation of the lawsuit.
In a criminal complaint filed by the complainants’ legal representatives, Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based media firm Law Corridor, the defendants' alleged actions were described as cyberstalking, dissemination of harmful falsehoods, and cyber intimidation targeted at Mercy Chinwo and her spouse.
The complainants contend that the defendants' purported behavior contravened Sections 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code.
