Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging an investigation and prosecution of four individuals for alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Bassey's legal representatives, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, submitted the petition to the IGP on April 1, 2024. The complaint arises from accusations made by social media users Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and Dj Spoiltkid, who claimed that Bassey fathered the child of fellow gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

The false allegation gained traction on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Bassey's legal team emphasized the damaging nature of these accusations, asserting that they constitute a serious attack on Bassey's character and reputation as a gospel artist.

The petition highlighted that Bassey is an influential gospel artist whose music has positively impacted people worldwide. The accusations emerged after Mercy Chinwo and her husband publicly shared pictures of their child, prompting the social media users to make defamatory remarks about Bassey.

The petition stressed that the actions of the accused individuals violate Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. Bassey's legal team called for swift action to investigate, arrest, and prosecute the suspects, emphasizing the need to deter similar acts in the future.