Blogger faces $50,000 damages in US for defaming MFM pastor, Daniel Olukoya

A Baltimore County Circuit Court in the United States, presided over by Theresa Adams, has imposed a record $50,000 in damages on Funke Ashekun, a US-based Nigerian blogger, for defaming Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).

In an announcement on Thursday by Olukoya’s media aide, Collins Edomaruse, it was disclosed that the jury determined Ashekun’s postings had defamed MFM and presented its pastors in a false light.

The court, under Case Number: C-03-CV-22-004424, delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of MFM USA and its pastors Grace Ugeh, Kunle Ladipo, and Adekunle Adekola.

According to MFM, Ashekun, who recently moved to the United States, had been using social media to spread false information about the MFM Church and its General Overseer with the intent to damage their reputation.

In response to the legal action against her, Ashekun, in a video posted on her YouTube channel on November 28, 2023, confirmed being sued by MFM and its three US-based pastors. She expressed surprise at being sued by individuals she claimed not to know, emphasizing that she never mentioned any specific church or pastor in her posts.

Ashekun clarified that her discussions focused on societal issues, particularly sexual assault within churches, without targeting any specific religious organization or individual. She highlighted her dedication to addressing problems within society, stating that her intention was not to defame any particular church or pastor.

Following the court’s decision, MFM’s lead counsel, Gilbert Garcia, expressed satisfaction, stating that the jury’s decision vindicated the church’s position.