The ruling was delivered by Justice Olubunmi Abike Fadipe of the Lagos State High Court, bringing an end to a legal dispute that began in 2017.
The case stemmed from allegations made by Otobo, in which she accused Suleman of having a sexual relationship with her, claiming he impregnated her and provided substances to terminate the pregnancy, while also promising marriage. Suleman denied the allegations and initiated legal proceedings.
Following the dispute, Suleman sought ₦500 million in damages and requested a public apology across national newspapers. Court records show that Otobo was duly served with court documents in November 2022 but did not respond or appear during key proceedings, including hearings scheduled in December 2023.
The trial eventually commenced in February 2025. The court held that Suleman was entitled to compensation for reputational harm but reduced the claim to ₦100 million as aggravated damages.
The judgment also directed Otobo to publish a full-page apology across her online platforms, as well as in The Punch and Sunday Sun newspapers for seven consecutive days, beginning within seven days of the ruling.
In addition, the court restrained Otobo, her agents, and associates from making further statements deemed defamatory against Suleman.
