Ironic typically means that something occurs that is the opposite of what you might have expected. So, witchcraft itself is usually referred to as a black art; in fact, Danforth even asks Proctor if he keeps his "black allegiance" to the devil. So the fact that John calls the trials a black mischief is taking the descriptors that are usually reserved for witches, and placing it on the people that are condemning others for witchcraft. You would expect that the trials would be a beacon of truth and sanity; ironically and unfortunately, they aren't in this historic situation.
As for Cheever arresting Elizabeth, that is ironic because it is hinted that Cheever is good friends with the Proctors. In fact, Elizabeth herself tells John, "Let you go to Ezekiel Cheever-he knows you well", wanting John to tell him what Abby said. Elizabeth feels that Cheever will be able to help John to vindicate the honor of those women accused. Ironically, it is Cheever himself that comes, not to help, but to arrest Elizabeth. This must have been a hard blow for the Proctors, to see a friend so taken by the courts.
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