Stephanie Otobo absent as court hears Apostle Suleiman’s N1bn suit

STEPHANIE Otobo, the Canadian based Nigerian singer who allegedly tried to blackmail  Apostle Johnson Suleman, President/ Founder of Omega Fire Ministry (OFM) was on Thursday not represented before an Ikeja High Court, during the hearing of a N1 billion filed by the cleric against the singer.

It would be recalled that 23-year-old Ms Otobo claimed that she and Apostle Suleiman had a romantic relationship, claims which the pastor has since denied.

Apostle Suleman through his lawyers is asking for N1billion from Ms Otobo for defaming his character through her claims.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Apostle Suleiman who was represented by E.L Akpofure SAN, told the court that they had a motion for an interlocutory injunction which was already ripe for hearing.

“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 an appearance in this matter despite the fact that she has been duly served with hearing notices. I would have said that My Lord should hear the motion but I suggest that things are done the right way and another hearing notice be re-issued to the defendant,” Akpofure said.

After listening to Akpofure’s submissions, the presiding Judge, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji noted that though the defendant was not represented in court, another hearing notice would be issued.  She thereafter adjourned the suit till February 7, 2018, for hearing on the motion by the claimant asking for an interlocutory injunction.

The Police had sometimes in March 2017, arraigned Otobo, before a Tinubu Magistrate’s court Lagos, over allegations of trying to blackmail Apostle Suleiman.

Otobo was charged alongside one Wisdom Gods time, aged 43. They were charged on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, blackmail, and a threat to life, preferred against them by the police.

According to the police, the defendants, with intent to blackmail, unlawfully demanded $1 million from Apostle Suleiman, or else she would call a press conference and accuse him of committing adultery with her and having an illicit relationship with her and thereafter kill him.