'I almost died' —Nollywood actress confession after nine years of mysterious illness

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has publicly announced her conversion from Islam to Christianity, saying the decision followed what she described as a miraculous healing from a mysterious illness that kept her out of public life for nearly nine years.

Abubakar made the announcement on her Instagram page, stating that her recovery came through the prayers of Apostle Queen Belemzy of Queen Belemzy Ministries, whom she credited with intervening at a critical point in her illness.

“I was somehow rude to her because of my mood then, but she still went ahead to pray with me over the phone. I later felt the impact of her prayers regarding my health, so I started searching for her number,” she said.

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She described her recovery as both physical and spiritual, saying it left her with a conviction to dedicate her life to the Christian faith.

“I’m a brand new person now. I have given my life to Christ. I want to serve God because He has helped me. I almost died. They almost killed me. This is not about movies; this is about restoration and testimony. Halima Abubakar is back, big and better,” she said.

On July 4, Abubakar shared her full testimony at the Holy Ghost Revival programme held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, where she gave a detailed public account of her illness and what she described as her healing.

The actress had previously spoken publicly about the financial and physical toll of her illness. Earlier this year, she disclosed that she had been asked to vacate her apartment by her landlady despite plans to renew her tenancy, and separately revealed that she was seeking help to fund brain surgery as part of her ongoing treatment.

In 2024, Abubakar was suspended by the Actors Guild of Nigeria over defamation allegations involving Apostle Johnson Suleman, a suspension which was lifted during her struggle with the illness. She subsequently issued a public apology to the cleric, acknowledging the allegations she had made and expressing regret.

Her conversion announcement has drawn significant reactions online, with many fans and colleagues expressing support and congratulating her on what they described as a new chapter.

Abubakar said she intends to continue sharing her testimony and preaching the Christian faith going forward.