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Mercy Chinwo and Husband Take Legal Action On Impact of Defamation in the Digital Age

The Abuja magistrate court summons 5 people for "criminal defamation" of the reputations of Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa.

A Magistrate Court in Abuja has summoned five social media users for “criminal defamation” of the reputation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa.

In the court summons dated April 3, 2024, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the five defendants to appear in person before the court on April 23, 2023, to answer the charges against them.

The complainants in the matter are Mercy and Blessed, while the five defendants are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.

The suit stemmed from a paternity claim made by the defendants last week after the gospel singer and her husband posted a picture of their son on Instagram.

After photos of the baby, who was born in 2023, were uploaded on Instagram, the defendants alleged that there was a resemblance between the baby and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, and claimed that he is the father, an allegation that went viral.

In a criminal complaint filed by the complainants’ lawyers, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based media firm, Law Corridor, Mercy Chinwo and her husband said the alleged actions of the defendants amounted to cyber intimidation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking targeted at their persons.

The complainants said the alleged actions of the defendants are contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

The “individuals criminally injured the reputation and image of the complainants across the globe resulting from their intentional defamatory posts and an act of cyberstalking,” the lawyers said in a criminal complaint filed before the magistrate.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna thereafter directed the five defendants to appear before the court on April 23, 2024, to answer the charges.

This comes after Nathaniel Bassey petitioned the police to investigate and persecute the individuals who claimed he fathered Mercy Chinwo’s son.

This case serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility wielded by individuals on social media. While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for communication and expression, they also come with ethical and legal obligations. It’s crucial for users to exercise caution and refrain from spreading false information that can harm others.

Additionally, the case highlights the importance of accountability in online behavior. As the defendants are called to answer for their actions in a court of law, it sends a clear message that defamation and cyber harassment will not be tolerated.

In a broader context, the case of Mercy Chinwo and her husband reflects larger societal issues surrounding privacy, reputation management, and the intersection of law and technology. As our lives become increasingly digitized, the need for robust legal frameworks to address online misconduct becomes more pressing.

The Court summons issued against the five individuals accused of defaming Mercy Chinwo and her husband serves as a wake-up call regarding the consequences of online misconduct. It underscores the importance of upholding integrity, accountability, and respect in our interactions, both online and offline. As society grapples with the challenges of the digital age, it’s imperative that we work together to foster a culture of responsibility and ethical behavior in cyberspace.

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