By Sochima Agbo - AnchorNews

A former member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Funke Ashekun, has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, calling for an investigation into the church’s General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, whom she accused of running the ministry “like a mafia organisation.”

Ashekun, who said she worshipped at MFM for nearly two decades before leaving, made the allegations in an open letter to President Trump, which she published online. In the letter, she accused Dr. Olukoya of exercising total control over members, suppressing dissent, and using fear and intimidation to maintain his authority.

“As you prepare to send troops into Nigeria to protect Christians from persecution and killings, I humbly appeal for your help in investigating and curbing the excesses of Dr. D.K. Olukoya,” she wrote.

She alleged that for years, several “dark realities” were concealed from members, adding that those who spoke out against the church’s leadership were often harassed, detained, or dragged into legal battles. According to her, some pastors who attempted to expose internal misconduct were also targeted with lawsuits meant to silence them.

Now residing in the United States, Ashekun revealed she is currently facing her fifth lawsuit from the church over her public statements. She further alleged that MFM attempted to prosecute her in the U.S. through fabricated criminal complaints, which were later dismissed by American courts.

Ashekun also claimed that Dr. Olukoya enjoys political protection in Nigeria, alleging that he has close ties to the Lagos State Government and once financed a governorship campaign — influence she believes gives him leverage over 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 judiciary to harass and silence anyone who leaves the church or questions his authority,” she alleged.

She added that some MFM pastors posted abroad allegedly act as agents of intimidation, continuing what she described as “a coordinated effort to persecute former members internationally through serial lawsuits.”

Ashekun’s petition comes amid renewed global focus on religious persecution in Nigeria, following President Trump’s recent remarks naming the country among those of concern over attacks against Christians.