News
Mercy Chinwo’s Child: Nathaniel Bassey Petitions IG, Accuses Social Media Users Of Defamation

Gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate and prosecute four individuals who he said falsely accused him of being the father of Mercy Chinwo’s child.
Bassey’s lawyers submitted the petition on April 1, 2024, alleging criminal defamation and cyberstalking against the social media users identified as Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and Dj Spoiltkid.
Last week, four social media users alleged that Bassey fathered the son of fellow popular gospel singer, an allegation that went viral on X (formerly Twitter).
Bassey’s lawyers emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that such false accusations not only harm Bassey’s reputation but also have broader consequences on personal and professional fronts.
READ ALSO: Amotekun Arrests Man For Keeping Housewife As Sex Slave
The petition read, “Our client is a gospel music minister whose songs and ministrations have impacted the lives of so many from different walks of life across the globe.
“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.
Nathaniel Bassey petitions IG
Nathaniel Bassey petitions IG
“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 post by Mr. Okoronkwo Ejike has since gone viral on the platform. In reaction to the post, Mr. Kingsley Ibeh commented on Mr. Okoronkwo’s post with a picture of our client with the caption ‘The real father of the baby.
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“In a post on the platform “X” formerly known as Twitter, “Dj SpoiltKid” a verified X user, quoted the statement by Okoronkwo Ejike along with a screenshot of the post and added, ‘When are we doing a DNA test?’
“In another post, Mr. Terrence Ekot, on the platform “X” made a post thus: ‘Take a look at the stunning resemblance of mercy chinwo’s son and Nathaniel Bassey. Though the duo has been working together on several projects in the past..what do you have to say?” (sic).
The lawyers argued that the social media posts by the four individuals amounted to character assassination.
They said the actions violated Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, along with Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
“The consequences of making such statements on social media have been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals, render 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,” the petition added.
News
Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.
A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.
“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.
READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?
“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”
The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA
News
JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New Heads For Key Agencies
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post
The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.
The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.
Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.
News
UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.
The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.
In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.
Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam
“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.
He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.
According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process
“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.
“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.
He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor
“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.
Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.
“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.
“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.
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