Entertainment
Nathaniel Bassey Fights Back, Petitions IGP Over False Paternity Claims
Renowned gospel artist, Nathaniel Bassey has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch a thorough investigation into allegations falsely accusing him of fathering Mercy Chinwo’s child.
Bassey’s legal representatives formally submitted the petition on April 1, 2024, citing criminal defamation and cyberstalking charges against social media users identified as Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and Dj Spoiltkid.
Recall that four social media users made claims last week that Nathaniel Bassey fathered the child of another well-known gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
These allegations however gained widespread attention on X (formerly Twitter).
Bassey’s legal team stressed the seriousness of the accusations, highlighting that such false claims not only damage Bassey’s reputation but also carry significant implications for both his personal and professional life.
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.
“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.
“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 contended that the social media posts made by the four individuals amounted to character assassination.
They asserted that the actions violated Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as 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,” they asserted.
The petition added, “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.”
Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has opened up about losing ₦5 million after placing a bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying the painful experience has convinced her to quit gambling for good.
The actress shared the revelation on her Instagram page on Monday, shortly after Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the World Cup trophy.
SEE ALSO: Destiny Etiko Addresses Alleged Affair With Omotola Jalade’s Husband
Expressing her disappointment, Etiko wrote:
“First time betting and I lost. Will never try it again. My 5M gone. In fact am done watching football. Anxiety almost killed me.”
Although she did not reveal the exact details of the bet, her Instagram Story posts during the final showed she was rooting for Argentina to retain the title.
Before kick-off, she confidently declared:
“Argentina all the way. Who can’t wait?”
However, as Spain dominated large spells of the encounter and Argentina struggled to create chances, the actress’ confidence quickly turned into frustration.
In another post during the game, she lamented “This ball tough o. Argentina is pissing me off.”
Despite Argentina’s struggles, Etiko reserved special praise for goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who made a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.
“The goal keeper is the savior oo,” she wrote.
Spain eventually secured a historic 1-0 victory through substitute Ferran Torres, whose extra-time strike sealed La Roja’s second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Argentina’s hopes of forcing penalties were further dented after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence late in the match.
Etiko’s admission has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many fans expressing sympathy over her loss while others cautioned against the risks associated with sports betting.
Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has sparked fresh reactions online after revealing that she burnt the outfit she wore to the burial of late actor Alex Ekubo, following advice from her godmother.
The actress made the disclosure via her Instagram page, where she explained that she was instructed not to keep clothes worn to funeral ceremonies, describing it as a traditional belief passed down through her family.
SEE ALSO: I’m Bigger Than You And Your Career’ – Regina Daniels Drags Angela Okorie
According to her, the advice came from her godmother, who insisted that clothing worn to burials should be discarded or burnt after the event.
Angela said she chose to follow the instruction and decided to publicly share the practice with her followers.
“This is the outfit I wore to Alex’s burial. My Godmother said it is not good to have the cloth you wore to a burial around you; you burn them. So family and friends take note. I felt I should share this information. May the Lord keep and bless us with long life. Amen,” she wrote.
Her revelation has since generated mixed reactions across social media, with some users supporting the traditional belief while others questioned the necessity of burning clothing after funerals.
The actress, known for her outspoken personality and frequent online commentary, has continued to trend over her posts, which often stir public debate.
See video below
https://x.com/i/status/2069056388496576546
Popular Nigerian actress, model, and reality TV star Beverly Osu has opened up about her childhood dream of becoming a Reverend Sister, revealing that she was once deeply drawn to the religious life because of her admiration for the discipline and appearance of Catholic clergy.
Speaking on the Creativtea Podcast, the actress reflected on her upbringing and strong Catholic background, noting that her early years were shaped by faith and religious values.
“I grew up in Lagos, in Surulere, and from Surulere I moved to Yaba, Ojuelegba. I am a Lagos girl,” Beverly said while recounting her childhood experiences.
ALSO SEE: Renowned American Singer, Frankie Beverly Passes Away
The former Big Brother Africa housemate disclosed that she attended Daughters of Divine Love Juniorate in Enugu and seriously considered dedicating her life to the Church.
“I was meant to be a Reverend Sister. I wanted to really be a Reverend Sister. Now, I am doing God’s work in other ways,” she said.
According to Beverly, her fascination with the religious vocation stemmed from the neatness, discipline, and appearance of priests and Reverend Sisters.
“I love how they dress. Because I am meticulous and very neat, I just loved how clean the priests and Reverend Sisters were. Literally, that was it,” she explained.
The actress also addressed the criticism that followed a previous photoshoot in which she dressed as a Reverend Sister, a move that generated widespread reactions on social media.
Beverly maintained that the photoshoot was purely artistic and not intended to offend anyone, stressing that many people misunderstood the concept behind it.
“I grew up in a very Catholic-oriented home. This is not just being Catholic in Africa, far and wide. People just read meaning to it. Nigerians just like to talk. It wasn’t a big deal. It was just arty,” she said.
Responding to claims that she is controversial, the actress insisted that she has never intentionally sought controversy or acted to provoke public reactions.
“I have never meant any harm. I have never done anything with the mindset to be controversial. I just came across the word ‘controversial’. People say I am controversial, but I am just being me,” Beverly added.
Her comments have sparked fresh conversations among fans, with many expressing surprise at her revelation that she once aspired to become a Reverend Sister before finding fame in the entertainment industry.
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