Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The ruling marks the latest chapter in a legal feud that began nearly a decade ago, centering on public accusations that Apostle Suleman had an inappropriate relationship with Ms. Otobo—claims he has consistently and vehemently denied. This particular defamation suit (case number Suit No. ID/ADR/2226/2022) was filed by the cleric over a series of publications and online statements he argued were damaging to his reputation as the founder of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide. In a significant development that underscores the challenges of litigating against parties who fail to engage, the court noted that Ms. Otobo, despite being served with court processes and hearing notices, neither filed a defence nor appeared in court through legal representation.
Presided over by Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe, the court found that Apostle Suleman had successfully established his case on the balance of probabilities. The judgment highlighted that the publications in question were defamatory and that the evidence presented by the claimant remained unchallenged throughout the proceedings. Consequently, the court awarded ₦100 million in damages in favour of the cleric, a sum that aligns with other recent defamation rulings in the country. In addition to the financial penalty, the court also directed that an apology be published on the platforms where the alleged defamatory statements were circulated, including selected national newspapers and online media outlets.
The origins of the conflict date back to March 2017, when Ms. Otobo publicly alleged that she was in a romantic relationship with the cleric. Apostle Suleman swiftly denied the claims, filing a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against her. In a dramatic reversal in January 2018, Ms. Otobo appeared at the cleric's church in Auchi, Edo State, before over 5,000 worshippers and confessed that she had been paid by some top politicians and rival men of God to bring him down. Despite this public confession and her pleading for forgiveness, she continued to make statements that kept the legal dispute alive, leading to the current suit which was filed in 2022. In May 2017, Ms. Otobo had even filed a $5 million lawsuit against Apostle Suleman in a Canadian court, accusing him of charges ranging from breach of trust to sexual assault.
Reactions to the ruling have been mixed. While representatives for Apostle Suleman have hailed the judgment as a long-overdue vindication, legal observers note the default nature of the judgment, given Ms. Otobo’s failure to participate in the proceedings. Her failure to defend the suit ultimately left the court with little choice but to rule in favour of the claimant. The ruling adds to a growing list of defamation cases in Nigeria where courts have awarded substantial damages to claimants, even in the absence of a defence. It remains to be seen whether Ms. Otobo will comply with the court's order or explore the possibility of an appeal, a step that could potentially prolong the legal battle that has captivated the Nigerian public for nearly a decade.
As of this report, Ms. Otobo has not issued any public statement regarding the ruling, leaving her intentions unclear. For Apostle Suleman, the court's decision brings a measure of legal closure to a saga that has threatened to overshadow his ministry and personal reputation.
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