Apostle Suleman’s N1bn suit against Miss Otobo stalls

The N1 billion libel and defamation of character suit issued by the lawyers of the founder of the Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman to Canada-based musician Miss Stephanie Otobo was stalled on Thursday over the refusal of the defendant to appear in court.

According to reports, Otobo was conspicuously absent before Justice Adedayo Oyebanji of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, where the matter came up for hearing and was also not represented by any lawyer.

Reacting to her failure to show up, Suleman’s lawyer, E.L. Akpofure (SAN) said Miss Otobo failed to appear in court despite being served with court papers and hearing notices.

While addressing the court, Akpofure said; “My Lord, our motion is very ripe for hearing but sadly, the defendant is not in court, neither is she represented.

“The defendant has refused to enter appearance in this matter despite the fact that she has been duly served with hearing notices.

Read also: Defiant Miss Otobo slams Apostle Suleman with $5m lawsuit

“I would have said that My Lord should hear the motion, but I suggest that things be done the right way and another hearing notice be reissued to the defendant.”

After noting that there was proof that Miss Otobo was served with the hearing notice, but refused to appear in court and was not represented, Justice Oyebanji adjourned the matter until February 7, 2018.

The High Court Judge also stated that another hearing notice would be issued to the defendant.

Recall that in the month of June, Apostle Suleman made good his promise to sue those involved in his alleged adultery saga after officially slamming Miss Otobo and an online news platform, Sahara Reporters with a law suit for defamation of character.

The father of three girls reportedly employed the services of four lawyers- all SAN’s in the persons of Chief Efe Akpofure, Erhabour O.I, Victor idiapho and Emmanuel Usoh to ensure justice is done.

The suit with the number ID/ADR/347/2017 was filed at Ikeja Lagos High Court with Apostle Suleman asking Miss Otobo and Sahara Reporters to cough out N1billion each for damages done to his reputation.

 

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