CurrentReport Blog In a recent legal blow, Nollywood star Halima Abubakar has been hit with a hefty N10 million fine for disseminating defamatory statements about Senior Pastor Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries International.
The ruling, delivered by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, underscores the serious consequences of spreading false information, particularly on social media platforms.
Abubakar, known for her roles in the entertainment industry, found herself embroiled in a legal battle after allegedly making derogatory remarks about Apostle Suleman on her Instagram account. These remarks were subsequently picked up and circulated by various media outlets, leading to a defamation lawsuit filed by the senior pastor.
Justice Enobie Obanor, presiding over the case, highlighted Abubakar’s failure to adequately defend herself against the accusations. Consequently, the court deemed her statements to be both false and malicious, warranting significant damages to be paid to Apostle Suleman.
The judgment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible communication, particularly in the age of social media where information can spread rapidly and without proper verification.
While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it comes with the responsibility to ensure that statements made are truthful and do not harm the reputation of others.
In addition to the financial penalty, Abubakar has also been barred from making any further publications regarding Apostle Suleman, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
