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Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has withdrawn all charges against TikTok content creator Eedie Bliss, leading to the latter’s release from detention after days of mounting pressure from the public and social media commentators.
Eedie Bliss was released on Saturday, January 17, 2026, following Mercy Johnson’s decision to discontinue the case that had resulted in the TikToker’s arrest. Her freedom came after widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning what they described as the criminalisation of a matter that should be treated as a civil dispute.
The situation gained further traction after Nigerian social media critic VeryDarkMan publicly called out the actress, accusing her of using her influence to oppress a younger and less powerful individual. He argued that allegations of defamation should be resolved through civil litigation rather than police detention.
VeryDarkMan not only criticised the arrest but also issued an ultimatum, demanding that Eedie Bliss be released immediately. He joined other voices online who insisted that the continued detention of the TikToker was excessive and unnecessary.
Hours after the online campaign intensified, news broke that Eedie Bliss had been freed. VeryDarkMan later confirmed the development in a post shared on his Instagram page, where he acknowledged Mercy Johnson’s role in resolving the matter.
“@MercyJohnsonOkojie, thank you very much, my GREATEST OF ALL TIME, for dropping the case. Moving on, I am buying all defamation cases against Mercy Johnson and her family. The bullying is too much. You all should leave her family alone,” he wrote.
His message signalled a shift in tone, as he called for an end to further harassment of the actress and her family, despite the earlier criticism.
According to reports, Eedie Bliss was arrested over a TikTok video she posted in December 2025, which centred on allegations involving Mercy Johnson and her husband, Prince Henry Okojie. In the controversial video, the TikTok creator claimed that Prince Okojie had allegedly purchased a house for a pregnant mistress.
Citing popular gossip blogger Cutie Juls as her source, Eedie Bliss further alleged that Mercy Johnson was involved in a plot connected to the mistress’ house help, which she claimed resulted in a miscarriage. The video quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention and criticism, particularly from fans of the actress.
Following the video, Mercy Johnson reportedly took legal steps that led to Eedie Bliss’ arrest, a move that immediately sparked debate online. While some supported the actress’s right to protect her reputation and family from damaging allegations, others argued that the response was heavy-handed and set a dangerous precedent for free expression on social media.
Legal analysts and commentators pointed out that defamation cases are typically handled as civil matters, where damages can be sought in court, rather than through criminal prosecution and detention. This perspective fueled the outrage that ultimately pressured a resolution.
With the charges now dropped and Eedie Bliss released, reactions have remained mixed. Some Nigerians applauded Mercy Johnson for listening to public concerns and choosing de-escalation, while others questioned why the arrest occurred in the first place.
As of the time of her release, Eedie Bliss had not issued a detailed public statement, but supporters have continued to urge content creators to exercise caution, verify information, and understand the legal implications of publishing unverified claims online.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing tension between celebrity reputation management and social media commentary in Nigeria, raising broader questions about accountability, influence, and the appropriate use of law enforcement in disputes involving online speech.
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