Nathaniel Bassey Seeks Investigation by IGP on Paternity Allegations and Defamation

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has filed a petition with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations that he fathered Mercy Chinwo’s son.

The petition, submitted by his lawyers Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, requests the IGP to investigate and prosecute four social media users — Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid who accused him of being the father of Mercy’s son.

The four suspects claimed that Bassey was the biological father of Mercy’s six-month-old son and made these allegations on social media when Mercy and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa, introduced their son on 29 March.

Ejike’s post stated, “This Mercy Chinwo’s child she was hiding after giving birth, but the truth is that this baby looks exactly like singer Nathaniel Bassey. Nothing anybody wants to reason with me oh. This child is Nathaniel Bassey’s Baby. Maybe a secret away match occurred; otherwise, how can we make empirical sense of this.”

The petition submitted to the IGP on 1 April included the following: “On Friday, the 29th day of March 2024, Mercy Chinwo Blessed another popular gospel music minister, and her husband posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms. Our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed by the defamatory social media posts made by the suspects mentioned above, tarnishing his image and character by calling him ‘the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blessed’s son,’ a woman who is married to another man.”

The lawyers emphasized that the social media posts by the four individuals constituted character assassination against Mr. Bassey and violated Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).

They further explained that failure to address these accusations could continue to harm Bassey’s reputation. The lawyers urged the IGP to investigate, arrest, and prosecute the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a separate statement signed by Peter Abraham, one of the lawyers, the social media posts were labeled as defamatory against Mr. Bassey’s reputation, potentially damaging his hard-earned reputation and ministry.

Legal action has been initiated against the creators and disseminators of the posts, as well as individuals who have made irresponsible statements and videos on the matter. Mr. Abraham highlighted the importance of responsibility in social media communication and mentioned that their legal actions may target additional individuals involved in the defamation.

One of the accused persons, Mr. Ejike, apologized on his social media platform to Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy, expressing regret for any hurt caused by his initial post.

It is essential to emphasize the consequences of defamatory statements made on social media, as they can significantly impact the reputation and lives of the individuals involved.