Halima Abubakar Apologises to Apostle Suleman Over Defamation Claims

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 23, 2024

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Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has publicly apologized to Apostle Johnson Suleman, the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, for defamatory remarks she previously made against him. In a heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram account on Wednesday, Abubakar acknowledged that her past statements were “false and hurtful.”

The actress expressed deep regret for the pain caused by her allegations and pleaded for forgiveness from Apostle Suleman, his wife Dr. Lizzy Suleman, and their family. She attributed her actions to poor judgment, stating that the apology was prompted by “deep reflection and conscience.”

“I am writing to you today to acknowledge the falsehoods I made against you on social media and to offer my sincere apology,” Abubakar wrote. “After deep reflection and in order for my conscience to be in accord with God, I have realised the depth of the harm, pain, and distress caused by my lies.”

The actress admitted to making false allegations against Apostle Suleman and recognized the damage her actions caused to him, his family, and the leadership of Omega Fire Ministries. “I ask you to find a place in your heart to forgive me, as I was not thinking clearly at that time. Sir, you have done a lot for humanity; please extend your hands of forgiveness to me,” she added.

Abubakar’s allegations, which surfaced on social media in 2022, claimed she had a romantic relationship with Suleman, sparking a legal battle between the two. The controversy further escalated in 2023 when she alleged that she had been pregnant three times with Suleman’s child.

In April, a federal high court in Abuja ruled in favor of Apostle Suleman, ordering Halima Abubakar to pay N10 million in damages for defamation. The court also issued a restraining order preventing her from publishing any further defamatory statements against the cleric.