Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has extended a heartfelt public apology to her colleague Mercy Johnson Okojie, just one day after regaining freedom from Suleja Prison on bail. The apology comes following Okorie's arrest in January 2026 for cyberbullying offenses related to her online attacks against Johnson in 2024.
From Prison Release to Public Reconciliation
Angela Okorie secured her release from detention on February 4, 2026, after meeting bail conditions set at N5 million. The actress, who had been held at Suleja Prison since her arrest, wasted no time in addressing the public feud that led to her legal troubles.
In a video shared across her social media platforms, particularly on Instagram, Okorie expressed deep regret for her previous actions and statements. She emphasized her desire to make peace and move forward without further conflict, marking a significant shift from her previous public stance.
Retracting Harmful Accusations
The actress made specific reference to the damaging accusations she had previously leveled against Mercy Johnson, particularly the hurtful label of calling her a witch. Okorie now describes these claims as completely baseless and harmful, acknowledging that such words can cause significant damage beyond their immediate target.
"I want to make it clear that I am withdrawing all damaging accusations," Okorie stated in her video message. "The label of calling someone a witch is not only untrue but deeply harmful, and I regret ever using such language."
Concerns About Family Impact
One of Okorie's primary motivations for the apology centered on concerns about how public feuds between celebrities can affect their families, particularly their children. She explained that children of entertainers often meet and form friendships worldwide as they travel, making it essential for parents to set examples of reconciliation rather than rivalry.
"I don't want my child or Mercy's children to face bullying because of disputes between adults," Okorie emphasized. "When celebrity conflicts spill into public spaces, it's often the children who suffer the consequences through bullying and social pressure."
Broader Apology and Future Approach
Okorie's apology extended beyond Mercy Johnson alone. The actress expressed regret to anyone she might have offended, whether knowingly or unknowingly, through her actions and statements. She portrayed herself as fundamentally kind-hearted and non-confrontational, despite the public perception created by the feud.
The Nollywood star also outlined her new approach to handling disagreements, promising to address future issues directly through personal communication rather than allowing them to escalate publicly. "From now on, any disagreements will be handled through personal calls," she affirmed. "I won't allow issues to become public spectacles that hurt everyone involved."
Public Reaction to the Apology
The public response to Okorie's apology has been mixed, with social media users expressing various perspectives on the situation. Some have praised her courage in publicly admitting fault, while others remain skeptical about the sincerity of her change of heart.
One social media user commented: "Saying sorry shows real courage. I hope Mercy Johnson forgives Angela Okorie. Everyone deserves a second chance." Another responded: "It's okay to say sorry when you hurt someone, but don't EVER expect the person to allow you within their circle. Actions have consequences."
Broader Context of Celebrity Conflicts
This incident highlights the growing concern about cyberbullying within Nigeria's entertainment industry and the legal consequences that can follow online attacks. Okorie's case follows a similar pattern to other recent incidents involving public figures and social media conflicts.
Earlier in January 2026, TikTok content creator Eddie Bliss also publicly apologized to Mercy Johnson and her family after the withdrawal of a defamation case. Bliss admitted to reposting unverified information without proper fact-checking, which caused distress to Johnson's family.
These cases demonstrate the increasing legal scrutiny being applied to online behavior, particularly when it involves public figures and potentially damaging accusations. The entertainment industry in Nigeria continues to grapple with balancing freedom of expression with responsible social media use.
Moving Forward
As Angela Okorie moves forward from this incident, her public apology represents a significant moment in Nollywood's ongoing conversation about professional conduct and personal relationships within the industry. The resolution of this high-profile feud may set precedents for how similar conflicts are handled in the future.
Okorie concluded her apology by affirming her affection and goodwill toward Mercy Johnson, stating that she wishes her blessings and peace. The ball now rests in Johnson's court regarding whether she will accept the apology and how this public reconciliation will affect their professional relationship moving forward.
