In a significant legal victory, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) emerged triumphant in a United States court as blogger Funke Ashekun was ordered to pay $50,000 for spreading false information and defamatory remarks against the church and its General Overseer, Dr. Olukoya.
Funke Ashekun, a Nigerian residing in the United States, had been engaged in a relentless social media campaign for over three years, disseminating unfounded accusations against MFM and its esteemed spiritual leader, Dr. Olukoya. Her apparent mission was to tarnish the reputation of the revered Man of God and the ministry as a whole.
Despite receiving numerous admonitions to desist from her damaging activities, Ashekun persisted in her campaign, underestimating the legal consequences that awaited her. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (US) pursued legal action against her, leading to a swift and resolute legal process.
The US jury unanimously ruled in favor of Mountain of Fire USA and three of its pastors, namely Grace Ugeh, Kunle Ladipo, and Adekunle Adekola. The verdict not only represents a triumph for MFM but also serves as a stern warning against false allegations and defamation.
As part of the judgment, the jury awarded Mountain of Fire USA the full amount of damages claimed in the suit – a substantial sum of Fifty Thousand US Dollars ($50,000). The decision was based on the jury’s determination that Ashekun’s online posts had defamed the church and portrayed its pastors in a false light.
Mountain of Fire’s lead counsel, Gilbert Garcia, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that the jury’s decision not only favored the ministry but also validated its stance against the false accusations. This legal triumph reinforces the commitment of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries to safeguarding its reputation and standing against baseless attacks on its leadership and mission.