Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has initiated a fresh round of legal action against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what he describes as persistent and malicious allegations of fake miracles leveled against him and his ministry. The development marks the latest chapter in a long-running public dispute that has continued to generate debate around religion, free speech, and accountability in Nigeria’s public space.
According to sources close to the cleric, the new legal action was filed following renewed statements and online publications allegedly attributed to Sowore, which Apostle Suleman claims are defamatory and damaging to his reputation. The pastor maintains that the allegations, which question the authenticity of testimonies and miracles associated with his ministry, are false, misleading, and intended to incite public distrust against him and the Christian faith more broadly.
Apostle Suleman, one of Nigeria’s most prominent Pentecostal preachers with a large international following, has consistently denied claims that miracles in his church are staged or manipulated. He argues that repeated accusations of fakery amount to character assassination and an abuse of freedom of expression. In his view, criticism crosses a legal boundary when it moves from opinion into assertions presented as facts without evidence.
Legal representatives of the cleric are said to be seeking declaratory reliefs, public retractions, and substantial damages. They argue that Sowore’s comments have caused reputational harm not only to Apostle Suleman personally but also to Omega Fire Ministries, its members, and partners across Nigeria and abroad. The suit reportedly contends that the allegations have fueled online harassment and could undermine public trust in religious institutions.
The dispute between Apostle Suleman and Sowore is not new. Over the years, Sowore, a vocal critic of religious leaders he accuses of exploiting faith for personal gain, has repeatedly questioned the credibility of miracle claims by prominent pastors. He has argued that public figures, including clerics, should be subjected to scrutiny, especially when their activities involve large followings and significant financial influence.
Supporters of Sowore frame his stance as part of a broader campaign against what they describe as manipulation and deception in the religious sphere. They argue that questioning miracle claims is a matter of public interest and falls within the bounds of free speech. To them, legal actions by religious leaders are attempts to silence dissent and shield themselves from accountability.
However, supporters of Apostle Suleman strongly reject this narrative. They insist that Sowore’s statements go beyond scrutiny and enter the realm of deliberate falsehood. Many members of Omega Fire Ministries say they have personally experienced healings and life-changing encounters through the church’s activities, which they believe cannot be dismissed as staged events. They accuse critics of harboring ideological bias against Christianity and exploiting social media to spread misinformation.
The renewed legal action has reignited conversations across social media, with Nigerians sharply divided along religious, ideological, and political lines. Some commentators argue that courts are the appropriate avenue to resolve disputes involving defamation and reputation, especially when public accusations are repeated despite earlier warnings or legal engagements. Others contend that the judiciary should not be used to settle theological or faith-based disagreements.
Legal analysts note that cases involving alleged fake miracles present unique challenges. While defamation law focuses on false statements that harm reputation, proving or disproving supernatural claims in court is inherently complex. As a result, such cases often hinge on whether the defendant presented allegations as verifiable facts, whether there was malicious intent, and whether reputational damage can be clearly established.
Beyond the courtroom, the case highlights the broader tension between religion and activism in Nigeria. Faith leaders wield enormous influence, often extending into social and political spheres, while activists increasingly challenge institutions they believe lack transparency. The clash between Apostle Suleman and Sowore reflects this collision of worldviews, where faith, skepticism, and free expression intersect.
Religious scholars observing the controversy say it underscores the need for responsible discourse. They argue that while religious leaders should be open to questions, critics must also exercise caution to avoid sweeping generalizations or unverified claims. At the same time, they caution pastors against dismissing all criticism as persecution, noting that accountability strengthens credibility.
For Apostle Suleman, the fresh lawsuit is portrayed by his camp as a necessary step to protect integrity and draw legal boundaries around public commentary. Associates of the cleric say he has endured years of attacks without response, but the persistence of the allegations left him with little choice. They describe the action as a defense not only of his personal reputation but of the dignity of the church and its adherents.
Sowore, on his part, has not publicly indicated any intention to retract his statements. In past responses to similar legal threats, he has maintained that he stands by his criticism of miracle claims and considers them part of a broader social critique. His supporters say any legal challenge will be met vigorously and framed as a test case for freedom of speech in Nigeria.
As the matter heads back to court, observers expect it to draw significant public attention. The outcome could have implications beyond the two individuals involved, potentially shaping how criticism of religious practices is expressed and contested in Nigeria’s legal system. It may also influence how public figures, both religious and secular, engage with critics in an era dominated by social media and rapid information spread.
For now, both camps appear entrenched, with little sign of compromise. While Apostle Suleman seeks judicial redress to halt what he calls a campaign of falsehood, Sowore and his supporters view the legal action as another front in a broader ideological struggle. As proceedings unfold, Nigerians will be watching closely, not only for the legal verdict but for what it signals about the balance between faith, criticism, and free expression in a deeply religious society.
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