A Lagos state high court has ordered Canadian-based singer Stephanie Otobo to pay N100 million in damages to Johnson Suleman, founder of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, over defamatory claims made against the cleric.
Justice Olubunmi Abike Fadipe delivered the ruling following a long-running legal dispute that began in 2017 when Otobo accused Suleman of being romantically involved with her.
Otobo had alleged that the cleric impregnated her, gave her a substance to terminate the pregnancy, and promised to marry her.
Suleman denied the allegations and initiated legal proceedings, which led to Otobo’s arrest and arraignment.
She later withdrew the allegations, claiming she had been “heavily paid” by certain politicians and pastors to blackmail the preacher.
In 2022, the controversy resurfaced after Otobo posted explicit photos online, alleging they were intended for Suleman.
According to court documents dated May 5, 2026, Suleman sought an injunction compelling Otobo to retract the statements. He also demanded N500 million in damages and a public apology to be published in two national newspapers.
Court records showed Otobo received the court summons in November 2022 but failed to respond or appear in court during proceedings in December 2023.
When the case proceeded to trial in February 2025, the court ruled in Suleman’s favour, stating he was entitled to compensation for reputational damage. However, the court reduced the damages sought from N500 million to N100 million.
The court also directed Otobo to publish an apology on all online platforms used to spread the defamatory statements and in Punch and Sunday Sun newspapers for seven consecutive days.
“I award the sum of N=100 million aggravated damages to the claimant against the defendant,” the ruling stated.
The judge further restrained Otobo, her representatives, and associates from making or publishing any additional defamatory statements against Suleman.