The virtual world is buzzing with controversy as renowned Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey makes headlines for initiating legal action against social media users who accused him of paternity fraud.
This has sparked a heated online debate, thrusting Bassey into the center of a digital firestorm.
On Friday, March 29th, another popular gospel minister Mercy Chinwo and her husband Pastor Blessed posted pictures of their son on different social media platforms.
The post had gone viral with social media users casting aspersions on Bassey, claiming that he is the father of the baby as he has a striking resemblance with the child. Some had even advised that Pastor Blessed carry out a DNA test to ascertain the true paternity of the child.
Following this outrage, the gospel minister on Wednesday lodged a petition with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against four individuals who accused him of paternity fraud.
The petition, submitted through his legal representatives, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, was delivered to the IGP on April 1, 2024 alleging that the four social media users identified as Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot and DJ Spoiltkid were behind the defamation of character.
READ ALSO: Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP against paternity fraud accusers
“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.
“However, our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed to find that the above-mentioned suspects, as mischief makers with a criminal intent to destroy the image and character of our client, had made different social media posts of defamatory matter, calling our client ‘the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blessed’s son,’ a woman who is married to another man,” the petition partly read.
However, netizens have shared mixed reactions concerning this development. While some condemned the action of the singer for involving the police, others praised it, saying it will serve as a deterrent to others.
A Twitter user Cyril Onyekachi said: “This is not Christlike. The Bible encourages treating enemies with kindness, generosity and love rather than seeking revenge or harboring anger.
“Proverbs 25:21-22 teaches us to feed and give our water to our enemies, which will ‘heap burning coals on his head’ and lead to repentance.
“Romans 12:14-21 advises blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us and feeding our enemies when they are hungry or thirsty. These verses emphasize the importance of overcoming evil with good, and by treating our enemies with kindness and love, we reflect Christ’s example and bring glory to God.”
A social media influencer, Daniel Regha wrote: “Nathaniel Bassey is right to take legal action against those who accused him of fathering Mercy Chinwo’s son. A Lot of people are fond of spreading misinformation online for obvious clout, and rumors always spread like wildfire.
“Peruzzi needs to do the same when next someone falsely accuses him. Same goes to Burna plus some other celebs. It may seem like cheap talk but defamation of Character is no joke.”
Meanwhile, the accused individuals are yet to respond to the legal action taken by Bassey.
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