The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), based in Nevada, United States, has initiated legal proceedings against its Nigerian social media influencer and YouTuber, Mrs. Funke Ashekun, alleging defamation and dissemination of false information, News About Nigeria reports.
The church, acting on behalf of its General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, has filed a lawsuit seeking $75,000 in damages.
Ashekun is accused of posting defamatory videos and content online, which allegedly interfered with the ministry’s operations and tarnished its reputation.
Among the accusations levelled against Ashekun, who is a former member of the church headquarters in Lagos State, are claims that Dr. Olukoya colluded with law enforcement, engaged in sexual assault, and practiced religious fraud.
According to court documents, there were instances where Ashekun purportedly made false and damaging statements about MFM and its leadership.
The lawsuit argues that Ashekun’s actions have caused irreparable harm to the church’s reputation, resulting in financial losses and member defections.
“The statements made by the Defendant are purposefully designed to defame MOFMM and its leadership with the main aim of influencing members to leave the Church as well as encouraging others to go down the path of defaming the Church and its leadership for social media attention.
“The statements made by the defendant against MOFMM and its leadership are made with the intention of exposing the church and its leadership to public scorn, hatred, and contempt to its members and the public at large,” the suit read.
In response, Ashekun has challenged the lawsuit, insisting that Dr. Olukoya should be personally involved in the legal proceedings and held accountable for the allegations against him.
She alleges that MFM Nevada, as a legal entity, cannot adequately represent Dr. Olukoya’s interests and calls for his direct involvement in the case.
