Mrs Funke Ashekun, a US-based Nigerian and social media influencer, has filed a petition on Petition.net (an online petition platform), urging police in Maryland and Nevada to investigate Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, on allegations of exploitation and abuse.
Ashekun alleges that the actions of Olukoya go beyond religious practice into exploitation and abuse. She titled the petition: “Rescue MFM church victims from Dr. DK Olukoya.” She alleges that Olukoya uses his position of authority to exploit and abuse single mothers and young women under the guise of offering prayers and spiritual guidance.
Ashekun’s petion reads in parts: “I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost urgency and concern regarding an individual who poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of vulnerable women in our community. This individual, known as Dr. DK Olukoya operates under the guise of a preacher within Nigerian communities in the United States. However, his actions go far beyond the realm of religious practice and into the realm of exploitation and abuse.
“Dr. DK Olukoya has been systematically preying upon single mothers and young women from vulnerable backgrounds, using his position of authority to sexually abuse them under the pretense of offering prayers and spiritual guidance. His victims, fearing retribution and harm, have been hesitant to come forward and speak out against him, allowing him to continue perpetrating these egregious acts with impunity. A single mother of 4 who worshipped in Dr. DK Olukoya’s headquarters church once took to social media to tell her ordeal in the hands of Dr DK Olukoya. I was not surprised to later find her coming back to contradict everything she once said and making an open apology to Dr. Olukoya. Olukoya is always making his victims retract their statements and do apology videos using the corrupt system in Nigeria to oppress and suppress his victims.
“Also, an ex-member of Dr. Olukoya’s church, a young man who refused to allow his wife to honor Dr. Olukoya’s prayer/counseling invitation, is currently going through his plight. Mr. Ayotunde Richard said he did not feel safe letting his wife go behind closed doors for prayers with Dr. Olukoya and as I write, Richard Ayotunde is in prison for daring to speak up. He uses the corrupt judicial system and the police in Nigeria to clamp down on anyone trying to speak out against his crimes against members.”
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According to Ashekun, Olukoya’s victims have been hesitant to come forward due to fear of retribution and harm, allowing him to continue his alleged misconduct with impunity.
The petition also accuses Olukoya of using his branches worldwide, including in the US, to sue anyone attempting to expose him. Ashekun alleges that there are records of Olukoya using people to pursue legal cases on his behalf, with efforts to avoid appearing in court.
Ashekun alleges that: “Dr. DK Olukoya has been using his branches all over the world, including the US, to sue anyone trying to expose him. He uses his church clergypersons and the registered organization to sue anyone who poses a threat to his image. His branch in Nevada has just sued me by proxy on his behalf. There are tracking records of Dr. DK Olukoya in the US, using people to make legal cases on his behalf, and he will do everything possible not to appear in court.
“What makes this situation particularly alarming is that although Dr. DK Olukoya church is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, he has branches across the globe and has established churches and congregations in America among the Nigerian Community, providing him with a platform to exploit further and victimize unsuspecting individuals, particularly young girls who may be drawn to his charismatic persona and promises of salvation. Dr. Olukoya also invites women from abroad to travel to Lagos for prayer, and they fly down for that sole reason.”
Furthermore, Ashekun claimed that: “The registration of his Church in Nevada shows that he is from Las vegas as the president of the ministry and the President in the United states of America. He is a Nigerian by birth.”
The petition also accuses Olukoya of using his branches worldwide, including in the US, to sue anyone attempting to expose him. Ashekun alleges that there are records of Olukoya using people to pursue legal cases on his behalf, with efforts to avoid appearing in court.
Ashekun insists that immediate action must be taken to investigate the allegations and hold Olukoya accountable for his actions. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of those who have fallen victim to his alleged manipulation and exploitation.
“Immediate action must be taken to investigate these allegations and, where necessary, hold Dr. DK Olukoya accountable for his reprehensible actions. Our community cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such flagrant abuse of power and violation of fundamental human rights. Every effort must be made to ensure the safety and protection of those who have fallen victim to his manipulation and exploitation and to prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals in the traps of this person.
“I do have some materials in my possession that indicate that Dr. DK Olukoya has been sexually exploiting vulnerable women, particularly in Nigeria, the headquarters of his church, right in his counseling room. He videotapes his victims, molests them, and still has the effrontery to send these ladies the clips of their nudity. My current concern is how safe our girls are in his churches here in the United States. He comes to his churches for programs here in America, and while there may not have been any reported case of this illicit act, a proactive measure for the safety of our women is essential.
“For the purpose of awareness and safety measures, I created some social media handles educating African parents on the need to watch their girls and not carelessly release them to anyone whom they see as a saint. Many are brainwashed and won’t easily connect the dots. However, this awareness is ongoing, hoping that those who are able to listen will take caution.
“I urge you to thoroughly investigate Dr. Olukoya’s activities and take decisive action to bring him to justice. Additionally, measures should be implemented to provide support and assistance to his victims, including access to counseling, legal advocacy, and other resources to help them heal and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this trauma.
“Previously mentioned are crucial materials recovered, implicating Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya in suspicious activities within the confines of his counseling room. With utmost diligence, I am ensuring the swift delivery of this pivotal evidence to the police department in Baltimore and the State of Nevada, unveiling the intricate details of the case. Moreover, acknowledging the importance of public awareness, it is imperative to disseminate these materials to diverse media outlets, including those in Nevada and Maryland.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will treat it with the seriousness and urgency it deserves and that justice will be served for those who have suffered at Dr. DK Olukoya’s hands.” As of the time of writing this news story on Tuesday, the petition has attracted 97 signatures. This remains an allegation until the court finds him guilty.