Is Halima Abubakar’s Apology Real or a Religious Manipulation?

Recently, Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar issued a public apology to Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, for defamatory comments she made against him.

The apology has stirred up mixed reactions, leaving many questioning its authenticity. Is this apology a genuine act of remorse, or is it a calculated move driven by religious or legal pressures?

Halima Abubakar took to Instagram to admit that her previous statements about Suleman were false and hurtful. She expressed regret for the pain caused by her actions, blaming her poor judgment at the time. She further explained that her apology was the result of “deep reflection and conscience.”

But this isn’t just a simple case of an apology. Abubakar’s accusations against Apostle Suleman have been highly controversial and damaging. In 2022, she publicly claimed she had a romantic relationship with Suleman, which later escalated to claims in 2023 that she had been pregnant with his child three times. These allegations not only tarnished Suleman’s reputation but also triggered legal action.

In April, a Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered Abubakar to pay N10 million in damages for defamation. The court also restrained her from making further defamatory comments and required her to publish a retraction on her social media. With this in mind, some wonder if her recent apology is an attempt to avoid further legal consequences, rather than an expression of genuine repentance.

Apostle Suleman responded on social media, emphasizing that while forgiveness may be possible, it doesn’t erase the memory of what happened. His terse statement on X.com read, “Forgiveness is not memory loss! Status quo maintained!” This response suggests that while Suleman may be open to forgiving Abubakar, the damage done by her accusations won’t be easily forgotten.

So, is this apology driven by religious reflection or legal necessity? Some argue that Abubakar’s apology comes conveniently after the court ruling, which may raise doubts about its sincerity. On the other hand, others believe her statement about reflecting on her actions and seeking forgiveness from a place of conscience could indicate genuine remorse.

However, given the gravity of the situation and the public fallout, it’s hard for many to see her apology as anything other than an attempt to mitigate further legal trouble and public backlash.

In the end, the question remains: Is Halima Abubakar’s apology real, or is it a form of religious or legal manipulation? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear—her words have left a lasting impact, and an apology alone may not be enough to repair the damage caused.