A former member of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Funke Ashekun, has urged United States President Donald Trump to investigate the church’s General Overseer, Dr Daniel Olukoya, accusing him of running the ministry “like a mafia organisation.”
Ashekun, who said she worshipped in MFM for nearly 20 years before leaving, made her allegations in an open letter addressed to Trump and posted online. She claimed that Olukoya maintains total control over members, suppresses dissent, and uses fear and intimidation to retain his authority.
“As you prepare to send troops into Nigeria to protect Christians from relentless persecution and killings, I humbly appeal for your help in investigating and curbing the excesses of Dr D.K. Olukoya,” she wrote.
According to her, several “dark realities” were allegedly concealed from members for years, adding that those who speak up against the church’s leadership risk harassment, detention, or legal intimidation. She alleged that some former members and pastors who attempted to expose misconduct were targeted with lawsuits aimed at silencing them.
Ashekun, who now resides in the United States, said she is currently battling her fifth lawsuit filed by the church over her public claims. She further alleged that MFM attempted to have her prosecuted in the US through fabricated criminal complaints, which she said were dismissed by the courts.
She also accused Olukoya of enjoying political protection in Nigeria, alleging that he has links to the Lagos State government and purportedly financed a governorship campaign, a connection she believes gives him leverage within law enforcement and the judiciary.
“Dr Olukoya enjoys protection from Nigerian authorities, having reportedly funded the campaign of the Lagos State Governor. With this influence, he manipulates the police and the judiciary to harass and silence anyone who leaves the church or questions his authority,” she claimed.
Ashekun further alleged that some MFM pastors posted abroad act as agents for the ministry, continuing the alleged pattern of intimidation beyond Nigeria.
“Several of them are now being used to persecute me internationally through a coordinated series of lawsuits aimed at silencing my voice,” she added.
Ashekun’s letter comes as President Trump recently made remarks naming Nigeria as a country of concern regarding alleged genocide against Christians.
