Renowned Nigerian vocalist Mercy Chinwo and her spouse have initiated legal proceedings against individuals who allege that their newborn bears resemblance to their colleague Nathaniel Bassey.
This follows a series of absurd comments made by several internet users about the appearance of the couple’s child after their face was revealed during the Easter break.
Subsequently, the Abuja magistrate court has summoned five individuals on charges of “criminal defamation.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna has directed the five defendants to personally appear before the court on April 23, 2023, to address the allegations against the Kingdom couples. This order was issued in a court summons dated April 3, 2024. The controversy arose after some social media users criticized Mercy Chinwo’s baby following the unveiling of his face during Easter celebrations.
Allegations were made that the infant bore a striking resemblance to veteran gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey. Identified in the criminal complaint filed by the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based media firm Law Corridor, the defendants include Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie. The complaint accuses the defendants of cyberstalking, spreading injurious falsehoods, and cyber intimidation against Mercy Chinwo and her spouse, allegedly violating Sections 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code.
In response to these legal actions, reactions from netizens varied. Some advocated for justice, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the rights of the baby and his parents, while others discussed the implications of freedom of speech versus legal consequences for defamation.
Notably, Okoronkwo Ejike, a Facebook user previously involved in questioning the paternity of Mercy Chinwo’s son, has garnered attention for his apology to Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo, reflecting on the consequences of his earlier actions. The unfolding events have sparked discussions on social media platforms, with various individuals sharing their opinions and engaging in debates surrounding celebrity privacy, defamation, and legal recourse.
