LAGOS, Nigeria — After a year of public and legal wrangling, Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has issued a formal apology to Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International.
The public apology, shared on Abubakar’s verified Instagram account this Wednesday, October 23, 2024, marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between the two public figures, which has captivated audiences since 2022.
The controversy began in late 2022 when Abubakar, 39, publicly accused Apostle Suleman, 53, of engaging in a relationship with her, which she claimed contributed to her worsening health.
The actress alleged that during their time together, she experienced multiple miscarriages and severe medical complications.
She claimed that Suleman continued the relationship despite her deteriorating condition, accusations that quickly ignited a media frenzy.
Apostle Suleman denied the allegations, asserting that Abubakar’s claims were an attempt to defame him and extort money.
By early 2023, the dispute had escalated into a legal battle, with Suleman’s legal team filing a defamation lawsuit worth ₦1 billion.
The lawsuit accused Abubakar of spreading false claims in order to damage his reputation.
Despite the lawsuit, Abubakar did not appear in court for several scheduled hearings, leading to multiple delays.
However, in April 2024, a court ruled in favor of Suleman, ordering Abubakar to pay ₦10 million in damages and retract her accusations.
A Public U-Turn
Halima Abubakar publicly apologised to Suleman on October 5, 2024.
In a letter shared on social media, she admitted that her previous accusations were unfounded.
“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,” the letter began.
She continued, “After deep reflections 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.”
Abubakar’s apology went on to express regret over the damage her actions caused not only to Suleman but also to his family and the leadership of Omega Fire Ministries.
“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,” she stated.
Seeking Forgiveness
The actress’s statement of contrition also sought forgiveness from Suleman and his family, acknowledging that her apology could not reverse the damage already done.
“With this letter, I humbly ask for your forgiveness, recognizing that my apology cannot undo the harm, pain, and distress I caused,” she wrote.
“I ask you to find a place in your heart to forgive me, as I was not thinking right then.”
In her closing remarks, Abubakar expressed a desire for reconciliation and peace.
“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.”
Reaction from Apostle Suleman
Apostle Suleman responded to the apology via his verified Facebook page, acknowledging that he had seen Abubakar’s post. He urged his followers to stop calling him about the matter, clarifying that while he had forgiven the actress, the situation would remain unchanged.
“You all stop calling my phone. Forgiveness is not memory loss! Status quo maintained!… AJS (Apostle Johnson Suleman),” his post read.
Mixed Public Reactions
Abubakar’s apology has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Some have praised her for taking responsibility and attempting to make amends, while others have questioned the timing of the apology, coming only after a court ruling had ordered her to retract her statements.
Social media users have expressed varying opinions on the matter, with some lauding Abubakar’s courage for admitting fault, while others speculate that legal pressures and the prospect of financial penalties may have influenced the apology.
A Controversial Chapter Nearing an End
The public apology potentially concludes one of Nigeria’s most closely followed celebrity scandals.
While Abubakar’s statement has opened the door for reconciliation, the public remains divided on whether her apology will bring lasting resolution to the conflict.
For now, it appears that both parties are seeking to move forward, though the scars from the prolonged dispute may linger.
As the legal and public ramifications unfold, Nollywood fans and followers of Apostle Suleman will be watching closely to see if this marks the final chapter in the high-profile feud.
