Mercy Johnson Warns Trolls: Defamation Will No Longer Go Unpunished

Nollywood powerhouse Mercy Johnson has officially withdrawn her defamation lawsuit against Nigerian TikToker Eedie Bliss, but the actress is sending a clear message that the era of “business as usual” is over. The legal battle, which began in late 2025, saw the TikToker arrested and detained in Abuja following a petition by Mercy’s husband, Prince Okojie. The arrest was triggered by a viral video where Bliss alleged that Okojie had purchased a mansion for a secret mistress and accused the actress of being involved in a plot that led to the woman’s miscarriage.

While Mercy secured the blogger’s release on Saturday, January 17, 2026, she emphasized that the decision was a gesture of respect toward the numerous influential individuals who intervened on Bliss’s behalf. However, the actress made it clear that this act of leniency should not be mistaken for weakness. She vowed to continue pursuing other active defamation cases, insisting that any user who utilizes their social media handle to make public allegations must be prepared to substantiate them with hard evidence in a court of law.

For the mother of four, the fight is no longer just about protecting her personal brand; it is a battle for the safety of her family. In an emotional revelation, Mercy disclosed that the persistent online rumors have seeped into her children’s daily lives. She shared that her teenagers are currently facing severe bullying at school, with some peers and even parents labeling her a “witch” based on the baseless narratives circulated by trolls. The actress lamented that the emotional toll on her children has reached a breaking point, necessitating a firmer legal stance.

Mercy also turned her lens toward the source of many of these reports, alleging that several prominent blogs are secretly owned and funded by her fellow Nollywood colleagues. She criticized the “pay-to-post” culture within the industry, where money is exchanged to tear down successful families through coordinated propaganda. By dragging her husband and children into these narratives, she argued that her colleagues have crossed a line from professional rivalry into malicious harassment.

Going forward, Mercy has instructed her legal team to maintain a “zero-tolerance” policy for unverified claims. She urged bloggers and social media users to leave her family’s name out of their content unless they have factual proof to back their statements. “Whoever alleges must be ready to prove,” she stated firmly, noting that her priorities remain her husband, her children, and her peace. The actress insisted that she would not allow the hard-earned reputation of her 14-year marriage to be dismantled by “illegal institutional actions” or online clout-chasing.

The withdrawal of charges against Eedie Bliss—who reportedly has an upcoming wedding—was met with a mix of relief and debate across social platforms. While some critics, including social media activist VeryDarkMan, initially tagged the arrest as “oppression,” others have lauded Mercy for finally drawing a line against cyberbullying. The consensus among supporters is that the Nigerian digital space has become increasingly toxic, with many creators prioritizing “likes” over the human cost of their stories.

Mercy concluded her address by reaffirming her commitment to her craft and her fans, thanking them for their years of support. She noted that while she prefers to “stay in her lane,” she will no longer stay silent when that lane is invaded by lies. With several more court cases slated for 2026, the actress is positioning herself as a pioneer in the fight against digital defamation in the Nigerian entertainment industry.