US-Based Nigerian Blogger Fined $50,000 for Defaming MFM General Overseer Olukoya

• Funke Ashekun, a US-based Nigerian blogger, has been handed a heavy fine by a US court
• Ashekun was accused of spreading lies against the MFM leader, Dr Daniel Olukoya and some of the church's pastors
• Olukoya's aide, Collins Edomaruse, confirmed the development via a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, January 25

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

A court in the United States of America has imposed a fine of $50,000 in damages on a US-based Nigerian blogger, Funke Ashekun.

A Baltimore County Circuit Court presided over by Theresa Adams awarded a heavy fine to the blogger for defaming the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya, The Punch reported.

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Olukoya's media aide, Collins Edomaruse, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, January 25. He said the jury found that the postings of Ashekun defamed the MFM and portrayed its pastors in a false light.

The statement noted that the court delivered its judgment in favour of MFM USA and its three pastors, Grace Ugeh, Kunle Ladipo and Adekunle Adekola.

Reacting swiftly to the lawsuit filed against her, the YouTuber said:

“I don’t know them, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Imagine, people that I don’t know are suing me. What an Irony!"

Meanwhile, the MFM lead counsel, Gilbert Garcia, in reaction to the court's judgement, said:

“Church was gratified that the jury found in favor and vindicated our position.”

UK-based blogger risks jail for defaming Daniel Olukoya

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Earlier, Legt.ng reported that a UK-based blogger, Maureen Badejo, risked going to jail if she failed to obey an existing judgement of the court against her for defaming Dr Daniel Olukoya and his wife, Shade.

Maureen was warned in an order titled 'Notice to the Defendant' by the Queens Bench Division of a UK High Court of Justice.

Maureen was given up till Thursday, November 4, 2023, to obey the court judgement or be found guilty of contempt and risk being sent to prison.

Source: Legit.ng