JUST IN: Former MFM Member Writes President Trump, Alleges Dr Olukoya Runs Church “Like a Mafia,” Calls For US Probe

A former member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Funke Ashekun, has written an open letter to former United States President, Donald Trump, accusing the church’s General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, of running the ministry “like a mafia organisation” and using political influence to shield himself from accountability.

In the letter, which has circulated widely online, Ashekun claimed she spent nearly two decades in MFM before discovering what she described as “dark truths” about the church’s internal operations.

She alleged that Olukoya exercises absolute control over members’ lives, silences dissenting voices, and employs fear and intimidation to maintain his grip on power.

“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, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries,” Ashekun wrote.

“I spent nearly two decades in this church, where many dark truths were hidden from members. Dr. Olukoya runs the church like a mafia organisation — controlling lives, silencing dissent, and using fear to maintain power.”

According to Ashekun, several pastors and former members who dared to challenge or expose Olukoya’s alleged misconduct have faced harassment, imprisonment, or multiple lawsuits meant to “crush” them into submission.

“Over the years, he has allegedly terrorised numerous members. Those who dared to expose or confront his sexual misconduct toward young girls and vulnerable women have faced imprisonment, intimidation, or multiple lawsuits designed to crush them,” she alleged.

Now residing in the United States, Ashekun said she is currently battling the fifth lawsuit filed against her by the church for speaking out.

She further claimed that MFM had attempted to have her jailed in the U.S. through fabricated criminal cases, both of which were dismissed in her favour.

“They even attempted to have me jailed here through two fabricated criminal cases — both of which I won in court,” she stated.

Ashekun also accused Olukoya of enjoying political protection in Nigeria through his alleged ties to the Lagos State government.

She claimed the cleric had “reportedly funded the campaign of the Lagos State Governor,” which, she alleged, allows him to influence law enforcement and judicial processes against critics.

“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 wrote.

“I have personally paid legal fees and bail for several pastors and members who have been unjustly detained on his orders. Some who resisted him have even lost their lives under suspicious circumstances.”

Ashekun further alleged that some MFM pastors transferred abroad act as Olukoya’s agents, extending his “oppressive system” internationally and coordinating legal actions against her in multiple jurisdictions.

“MFM pastors transferred abroad often act as his agents, spreading his oppressive practices 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.

The U.S.-based whistleblower urged Trump to investigate the alleged abuses within MFM as part of his global campaign to defend persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom.

“Mr. President, I truly believe that your renewed focus on global religious freedom and the protection of persecuted Christians is an answer to our prayers. Please help us investigate this matter and bring an end to the tyranny being perpetrated in the name of God,” she appealed.

Ashekun’s letter comes in the wake of Trump’s recent statement designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.

The former U.S. leader also warned that Nigeria could lose American aid if it failed to tackle growing insecurity, even suggesting that Washington could deploy its “Department of War” against terrorist groups targeting Christians.

The church, however, has previously denied similar accusations, describing them as malicious attempts to tarnish the image of its General Overseer and the ministry.