Halima Abubakar tenders apology to Apostle Suleman for defamation

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has formally apologized to Omega Fire Ministries International's Senior Pastor and General Overseer, Apostle Johnson Suleman, for spreading disparaging remarks about him.

This apology comes after a Federal Capital Territory High Court verdict in April 2024 ordered the actress to pay the clergyman N10 million in damages for defamation.

The cleric accused Abubakar of spreading libelous allegations about him on her Instagram profile. The cleric particularly stated that Abubakar accused him of being a womanizer and devilish, among other things.

Halima apologized in her letter for publishing ''falsehoods and lies'' about the pastor. 

Halima Abubakar stated that she had recognized the extent of the ''hurt, suffering, and distress'' caused by the lies she told against the pastor, as well as the impact on his church and family and that she regretted her conduct.

“I am writing to you today to acknowledge the falsehoods I made against you on social media and to offer my sincerest apologies. After deep reflection, and for my conscience to be in accord with God, I have realized the depth of the harm, pains, and distress caused by my lies.

"I admit that I made false allegations against you; and also regret my actions and the damage I caused you, your wife, Dr. Lizzy Suleman, your family, and the leaders of the Omega Fire Ministry.

"With this letter, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, recognising that my apology cannot undo the harm, pains and distress I caused and I ask you find a place in your heart to forgive me as I was not thinking right then. Sir, you have done a lot for humanity, please, extend your hands of forgiveness towards me.

"Once again, Sir, I am truly sorry for all the hurt and distress I caused you, your family, and your ministry. Thank you very much and may the Heavens calm your heart. God bless you, Sir.”