Apparently, Nathaniel Bassey will not sit and watch anyone tarnish his image especially not on social media.
There is a popular notion that Nigeria is a cruise nation.
Well, that cruise, if care is not taken, could land you in serious trouble.
If you are wondering how, then read this article and find out for yourself.
You see, regardless the economic hardship romancing the country like a newly wedded couple, a good number of people believe that once you have data to go online, you’ll be just fine.
Sadly, while catching this cruise, many Nigerians forget to play by the rules.
Or perhaps they remember, but the engagements and likes is so tempting to resist.
Now, five social media users have been summoned by the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, for “criminal defamation” of the reputation of gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo; and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
The Post
Last week, the gospel singer and her husband posted a picture of their son on Instagram.
After the picture of the baby, who was born in 2023, was posted, the defendants alleged that there was a resemblance between the baby and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey.
If only they had known, they would have ended that post there as a mere suggestion, but no, they went on to claim that Bassey was the father, an allegation that went viral.
Now, a mere social media post has landed them in trouble.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna, in the court summons dated April 3, 2024, ordered the five defendants to appear in person before the court.
They are expected on April 23, 2023, to answer the charges levelled against the complainants.
Criminal Complaint
The complainants in the matter are Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo.
The five defendants are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie.
A criminal complaint was filed by the complainants’ lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based media firm, Law Corridor.
In that complaint, 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 defendants’ actions is contrary to Sections 391 of the Penal Code.
It is also contrary to Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
“Individuals criminally injured the reputation and image of the complainants across the globe.
This is as a result of their intentional defamatory posts and an act of cyberstalking,” the lawyers said in the criminal complaint.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna thereafter directed the five defendants to appear before the court on April 23, 2024, to answer the charges.
Nathaniel Bassey Petitions IGP
Bassey has also taken action over the matter.
The ‘Jesus Iye’ singer — through his lawyers — had petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
He wants him to investigate and prosecute four persons whom he accused of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.
The four social media users in Bassey’s petition are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot and Dj Spoiltkid.
Bassey’s lawyers said the alleged actions of the four individuals contravened Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Same goes for Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).
Consequences
“The consequences of making such statements on social media have been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals.
Have You Read: Gospel Singer Nathaniel Bassey Marks 41st Birthday With Epic Photos
It renders marriages unstable, and many never recover from them.
International reputation is an asset—both for the individual and for the nation—and it takes time to acquire.
“Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others.”
