The Digest:
Justice Olubunmi Abike Fadipe of the Lagos State High Court has ordered Canadian‑based singer Stephanie Otobo to pay N100 million in aggravated damages to Johnson Suleman, founder of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, for defamation. The legal battle began in 2017 when Otobo accused Suleman of having a sexual relationship with her, getting her pregnant, and forcing her to terminate the pregnancy. Suleman denied the allegations and pursued legal action. Otobo later retracted her claims, stating she had been paid by politicians and pastors to blackmail him. The court also ordered a full‑page apology to be published in Punch and Sunday Sun newspapers for seven consecutive days.
Key Points:
- The judgment reinforces that false public accusations against public figures can lead to severe financial penalties.
- Otobo failed to acknowledge the summons or appear in court, leading to a default judgment on liability.
- The court reduced the claimant’s demand from N500 million to N100 million, but still awarded substantial damages.
- A seven‑day full‑page apology in two national dailies ensures a wide public retraction.
- The ruling may discourage individuals from using social media or public platforms to make unsubstantiated claims against religious or political figures.
Sources: The Cable, Lagos State High Court
