Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has formally apologized to Apostle Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, retracting her previous allegations in a dramatic conclusion to their year-long public dispute.
In a detailed apology letter dated October 5, 2024, posted on her verified Instagram page, the 39-year-old actress admitted to making false accusations against the cleric.
“Dear Apostle Johnson Suleman, I am writing to you today to acknowledge the falsehoods I made against you on social media and to offer my sincerest apologies,” Abubakar wrote.
The controversy began in 2022 when Abubakar publicly accused the 53-year-old televangelist of having an intimate relationship with her, claiming it led to severe health complications.
She alleged experiencing multiple miscarriages and unusual bleeding during their alleged involvement, accusations that Suleman vehemently denied.
In response to these allegations, Suleman, through his legal team led by Abdul Mahmud, filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against the actress in 2022.
The case concluded in April 2024 with the court ordering Abubakar to pay ₦10 million in damages and retract her statements.
In her apology, Abubakar expressed deep remorse: “After deep reflections and for my conscience to be in accord with God, I have realised the depth of the harm, pains and distress caused by my lies. I admit that I made false allegations against you, and I also regret my actions and the damage I caused to you, your wife, Dr Mrs Lizzy Suleman, your family, and the Leaders of the Omega Fire Ministry.”
The actress pleaded for forgiveness, acknowledging the irreparable nature of her actions:
“With this letter, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, recognising that my apology cannot undo the harm, pain and distress I caused, and I ask you to 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.”
Responding to the apology, Apostle Suleman posted a brief message on his verified Facebook page: “You all (followers) stop calling my phone. Forgiveness is not memory loss! Status quo maintained!…AJS (Apostle Johnson Suleman).”
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The public reaction to Abubakar’s apology has been mixed. While some commend her for taking responsibility, others question the timing and sincerity of her retraction, particularly given the court ruling and public pressure.
