25th October, 2024
Former Nigerian actress, Vivian Metchie, has reacted to colleague Halima Abubakar’s public apology to Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, for defamation.
In 2022, Halima claimed that she and Suleman had a romantic relationship.
This was after a blog alleged the cleric had affairs with several actresses including Halima, Angela Okorie, Georgina Onuoha, Queen Nwokoye, Shan George, and Metchie.
Others included Lilian Bach, Iyabo Ojo, Ruth Kadiri, Mercy Johnson, Chinyere Winifred, Larriet Omo Brish, Ini Edo, Joy Ogbunu, and Mary Uranta.
The allegations escalated in 2023 with Halima alleging she got pregnant thrice for the cleric.
Suleman threatened legal action, leading to a federal high court in Abuja ordering Halima to pay N10 million in damages for defamation in April.
Halima recently apologised, acknowledging her statements were “false and hurtful.” She sought forgiveness from the cleric and his family, citing “deep reflections and conscience”.
However, Suleman responded that Halima’s apology cannot erase the memories.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Metchie claimed two years ago, her colleague included her name in a list of actresses alleged to have had sexual relations with Suleman.
This led to a purported sex scandal in 2022. Metchie said she requested evidence from Halima but received none.
Metchie is now demanding an apology from Halima, attaching the image of her colleague’s letter to Suleman in her IG post.
“2 years ago, I was on the list she compiled about those who ‘had known’ a pastor. Note that my had known is in inverted commas,” Metchie wrote.
“Where is my own apology? On the said day the list was released, I asked for evidence on the same page that posted it. But none.
“Halima where is your evidence or where is my own apology? I’m going back to sleep. I want to believe when I wake up, I would realise that I had been dreaming… till tomorrow.
“2 years of silence. Not because I was guilty but because my children were young. 2 years after, I have your time.”
Metchie’s acting career began in 1996 with a role in the movie ‘Dangerous’. She has starred in movies like ‘Last Days’ and ‘Tough Love’ and is also a producer.
Recently, Halima demanded N3 billion from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for suspending her from Nollywood over “professional misconduct”.