After a protracted public dispute that lasted over a year, Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has formally apologized to a clergyman, Apostle Johnson Suleman, Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International.
The apology, shared on their verified Instagram page on Wednesday, follows years of back-and-forth accusations, media drama and legal battles between the two public figures.
The breakup between Halima Abubakar and Apostle Suleman first became public in 2022, when the 39-year-old actress accused the pastor of having an affair with her.
Accusations
The Kano-born actress claimed that their relationship caused serious health complications. He accused Mr Suleman of contributing to the deterioration of his medical condition. The actress alleged that the cleric continued to have sexual relations with her even though she was suffering from unusual bleeding. She also claimed that she experienced multiple miscarriages during their time together.
In response, the 53-year-old televangelist denied the allegations, describing them as an attempt to tarnish his reputation. Through his legal team, he said Halima Abubakar's claims were defamatory and aimed at extorting him. Her lawyer, Abdul Mahmud, said Suleman filed a £1 billion defamation suit against the actress in 2022. Despite these legal actions, Abubakar did not attend court hearings, leading to multiple adjournments.
As the legal battle continued until 2023, Suleman's legal representatives accused the actress of deliberately avoiding the court procedure. By mid-2023, they were confident of a favorable outcome in the lawsuit, with the court finally ruling in Suleman's favor in April 2024. Halima Abubakar was ordered to pay £10 million in damages, retract her defamatory statements and refrain from making further public accusations.
u turn
Doing a U-turn on Wednesday with a public apology, the controversial actress said the allegations she made against the cleric were false.
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In a letter dated October 5, 2024, he addressed Mr. Suleman directly. She admitted to making “baseless claims” that caused significant harm to the apostle, his wife, his family, and the leadership of Omega Fire Ministries.
Halima Abubakar’s apology reads: “Dear Apostle Johnson Suleman, I am writing to you today to acknowledge the falsehoods I committed against you on social media and to offer you my sincerest apologies.
“After deep reflection and bringing my conscience into line with God, I have realized the depth of the damage, pain and anguish caused by my lies.”
Halima Abubakar's Apology to Apostle Suleman Regrettable Actions
Furthermore, he expressed regret for his actions and the negative impact they had on Mr. Suleman and his family: “I admit that I made false accusations against you, and I also regret my actions and the harm I caused to you, your wife, Dr. Mrs. Lizzy Suleman, her family and the leaders of the Omega Fire Ministry.”
The actress apologized and acknowledged that, while her apology could not undo the pain and anguish she had caused, she hoped for reconciliation.
“With this letter, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, recognizing that my apology cannot undo the hurt, pain and anguish I caused, and I ask that you find a place in your heart to forgive me because I was not thinking at the time.
“Sir, you have done a lot for humanity; “Please extend your hands of forgiveness to me,” he added.
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Abubakar's apology marks a major turning point in what has been one of the most contentious celebrity feuds in Nigeria in recent years.
His public apology is likely intended to bring some resolution to the matter, particularly after a court ruling that ordered him to “retract his statements.”
His final words in the apology reflected his desire for peace and closure. She said: “Once again, sir, I am so sorry for all the pain and distress I have caused you, your family, and your ministry. Thank you very much and may heaven calm your heart. God bless you, sir.”
Apostle Suleman reacts
PREMIUM TIMES checks show that the general supervisor of Omega Ministries has reacted to the actress' apology.
In a short message on his verified Facebook page, the 53-year-old preacher urged people who have seen Halima Abubakar's apology to stop calling him.
He stressed that although he has forgiven, that does not mean that he has forgotten, and affirmed that the situation will remain the same.
He wrote: “All of you (followers) stop calling me on the phone. Forgiveness is not memory loss! The status quo is maintained!…AJS (Apostle Johnson Suleman).”
However, Halima Abubakar's public apology has sparked mixed reactions among her followers and the public: some praised her for taking responsibility, while others questioned the sincerity and timing of the apology, considering the court ruling and public pressure.