Entertainment

Defamation: Court orders Actress Halima Abubakar to Pay N10m to Apostle Suleman

Published

9 months ago

April 8, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, to pay N10m as damages to the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, for publishing derogatory comments against him.

The court also restrained her from further publishing defamatory statements against the cleric.

According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment dated April 8, 2024, the cleric accused Abubakar of publishing libellous statements on her Instagram page @halimabubakar, which was published by several blogs and newspapers.

The cleric specifically said Abubakar accused him of being a womaniser and diabolical, among others.

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? you 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, Tex’s, etc. Sule, she believed you. Nigerians this man is dangerous and a hazard to society from ppl like this.”

The cleric, however, said the statement by Abubakar through her Instagram handle was falsely and maliciously written and published to the general public.

In his judgment, Justice Enobie Obanor noted that Abubakar was allowed to defend herself in the matter but failed to do so.

The judgment 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.”

The judge also ordered Abubakar to publish a retraction of her defamatory statements on her Instagram handle @Halimabubakar.

“An order of this Honourable Court compelling the defendant to pay for the deleting of all links and reportage of the said defamatory comments on all platforms on the internet”, the judge added.

Entertainment

‘You’re lucky I have a lot to lose’ – Burna Boy reacts to Speed Darlington’s release

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Famous Nigerian singer, Burna Boy has broken his silence over the release of Speed Darlington from police detention.

On November 27, Darlington was rearrested barely two months after his first arrest by Burna Boy.

DAILY POST reports that Darlington had taunted Burna Boy over his affiliation with the embattled American rapper, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs who is currently facing multiple sexual exploitation and human trafficking charges.

Seemingly reacting to the release on his Instagram story on Tuesday, Burna Boy noted that his critics are lucky that he has a lot to lose, else many of them “would not be here no more”.

“When they talk nobody cares, but it’s a Nuclear disaster when I react.

“You all don’t know how lucky you are that I have too much to lose now, Walahi a lot of you wouldn’t be here no more. Anyway make I just go buy another thing relax.”

Entertainment

Osimhen joins Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy at Tony Elumelu’s all-white party

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on Monday joined Nigeria’s elite at billionaire Tony Elumelu glamorous all-white party in Lagos, embracing the holiday festivities during a visit to his home country.

The Galatasaray forward, who has been in prolific form, was seen mingling with top celebrities at the event hosted by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the UBA Group, with an estimated net worth of $700 million according to Forbes.

The star-studded affair featured electrifying performances by some of Nigeria’s biggest music icons, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Flavour.

Prominent political figures also graced the occasion, with Lagos State Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun among the notable attendees.

Entertainment

Queen Esther Daniels Crowned Best Idoma Nollywood Actress Of All Time

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Popular actress, model, and activist, Queen Esther Daniels, has been crowned the Best Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time.

The talented thespian received this accolade ahead of industry legends such as Ene Comfort Ikwumono, Jane Odoh, and others at the Idoma Nollywood Film Festival, which took place during the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, Benue State, on Monday, December 23, 2024.

Queen Esther made her acting debut at the age of 15 and has since starred in numerous Nollywood and Idoma movies.

In 2022, she made her production debut with the indigenous blockbuster “Akpa K’Oche” (The Throne).

She has utilized her talent as a vehicle for advocacy, working against social vices while promoting culture, peace, and unity.

In recognition of her hard work and dedication, she was overwhelmingly voted as the Best Idoma Actress of All Time.

Reacting to the victory via his Facebook page, Hon. Prince Yemi Itodo, the Executive Producer of Akpa K’Oche, stated that Queen Esther’s recognition as the eternal Best Idoma Nollywood Actress was well-deserved.

He expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Idoma International Carnival for recognizing Idoma talents and promoting tourism.

He wrote, “Tonight, history is made! Idoma people of Nigeria gathered at their traditional headquarters in the ancient town of Otukpo, Benue State, to celebrate this Thespian and screen goddess of unqualifiable measures…

“Queen Esther Daniels was nominated and won the Idoma Nollywood Actress of All Time, not Actress of the year, not Actress in the past, not Actress in 2025, not upcoming Actress, but Actress of All Time… This means alot to the industry and the family.

“Queen Esther Ene Daniels started gracing our screen right from the age of 15; and back-to-back, she has sustained the steam, the steez and the dexterity, interpreting her professional roles, both in Idoma and Nigerian Nollywood. She is also one of the rare Female Movie Producers in Idoma land, with her blockbuster AKPA K’OCHE (The Throne), short titled in English in 2022 and premiered at Double K Resort, Otukpo.

“This award is well deserving and it’s welcoming.

“We want to appreciate the organisers of Idoma International Carnival , the Global President, who doubles as President of Idoma Association in America, Prince EDWIN OCHAI; Global Vice President and Autotchonous incumbent of the MIC industry and Radio Benue Zcar, Henry Ipole; and all other crew, including the Federal Ministry of Information and Tourism, for this show of love.

“Finally, this award is dedicated to Almighty God, the Idoma nation, the cast and crew of AKPA K’OCHE (The Throne), especially, the Director, Ochola St Godwins; Editor, Jeff Onjefu, Lead Actor and Producer of OSOFIA IN BRAZIL, Pastor Abel Success, DoP, Richy Billions; Mr. Isaac Ochedikwu, Mummy Eze; Anebi Onobe; Ochagwu; for making Queen Esther a successful Producer.

“Idoma Nation shall be great again!!”