A Federal Capital Territory High Court has fined a Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, N10 million for defaming the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman.
According to a Certified True Copy of the judgement, the actress was also barred from any further publication on the cleric
Apostle Suleman had accused Abubakar of publishing libelous statements about him on her Instagram page, which was in turn published by several blogs and newspapers.
He said the actress accused him of being a womaniser and diabolical, among others.
According to the CTC dated April 8, 2024, Abubakar said: “Shan, you said you don’t think I am smart? lol, ask Sule.
“At your big age am glad Gistlover sent that list.
“Thank you gistlover for calling me out.
“I for dey lie and lie for Sule?
“Never.
“God bless you gistlover.
“But your list is small for real.
“Johnson try me.
“Supporting you on your lies won’t work again.
“Anyone who involves his/her self will be tagged a bloodsucker.
“All of you supporting nonsense.
“No be Sule again, why do they bleed?
“They know the truth.
“Johnson Suleman wake up and untie her!! you must untie her.
“You owe her two kids you evil man… Not even how is your health for 4 years… my sister must survive O!
“PIs, don’t worry about me.
“But you can hold Johnson Suleman responsible just in case you can’t do anything though.
“Nigerians be aware, if anything happens Johnson you.
“You told her to wait for you to find out why! Knowing well what you did.
“Giving you space is not possible.
“How many women have you done this to?
“ou said it yourself that you can’t solve it! why can’t you solve it?
“Then you disappeared.
“Not a word since!
“With all the calls, texts, etc. Sule, she believed you.
“Nigerians this man is dangerous and a hazard to society from ppl like this.”
Apostle said the statement by Abubakar was falsely and maliciously written and published to the public.
In his judgement, Justice Enobie Obanor noted that Abubakar was allowed to defend herself in the matter, but failed to do so.
The judgement read: “This issue is therefore resolved in favour of the claimant. Accordingly, judgment is entered in favour of the claimant as follows:
“A declaration that the statements published by the defendant against the claimant on her Instagram handle @halimabubakar, falsely and maliciously written and published to the general public, are defamatory of the person of the claimant.
“The sum of N10,000,000.00 only to the claimant as aggravated and exemplary damages for libel contained in the publication of the defendant against the claimant on her Instagram handle @Halimabubakar and caused to be published in several blogs.” [Eagle Online]
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
