Sowore Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of MFM Founder Olukoya, Others Over Alleged Police Torture, Incarceration Of Pastor For Nine Years
May 31, 2024
NEWS
#RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, for allegedly influencing the incarceration of a pastor for nine years without trial.
Pastor Femi Jimoh, who identified himself as a former MFM pastor, had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over alleged armed robbery.
Jimoh, who made this known during an interview on Yoruba Gidi TV, alleged that his trial started when he met the chief security officer of Pastor Daniel Olukoya at a native doctor's house.
He said he was beaten and handcuffed while a Divisional Police Officer shot him in the leg.
According to him, his mother and sister went to beg Olukoya on his behalf but he told them that he would be released only if he pleaded guilty in court.
But the former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, in a series of posts on his social media handle on Thursday, said the alleged atrocities committed by MFM church leadership, the collusion between the church leadership and the police and others working with them should constitute a reason for a national police abuse commission of inquiry, such that all the people mentioned in the video are brought to justice.
Sowore described the interview as heavy, adding that not a shred of it is a lie.
He said, "The atrocities committed by this MFM church leadership, the collusion between them and Nigeria Police Force, #SARS, and even the journalists working in cahoots with the Police as #Crimefighters who assist in framing innocents should constitute a reason for a NATIONAL POLICE ABUSE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY such that all the people mentioned in this video are brought to justice.
"This video interview is heavy, but not a shred of it is a lie! I know how Dr. Daniel Olukoya operates; his people got me detained within the church premises, tried to break my camera, and threatened me at the back of the church, where he maintained a massive contingent of deadly DSS and Police operatives."
"And I could also reveal that he works with the top echelon of the Police force, using senior officers to carry out those atrocities. Trust me, these acts will never go unpunished," he added.
In his interview, Pastor Jimoh said, "If it is by telling lies, they should look for someone that can tell lies because MFM believes that if anybody speaks on radio and television, he will be disregarded. My words are not to be disregarded. Let them hear me very well. If they want to call the police or lawyer, I'm ready. My words cannot be disregarded because I know them to be unforgiven and I can swear to that."
"If you offend them, they do not forgive at MFM. That is the bad character they have. It's my church, my elder brother worships there. My mum is there. I gave birth to my children there. My uncle is with Pastor Olukoya, so we are grounded in MFM."
"In our church, we don't forgive, we are mean. I'm the one saying all these. My name is Pastor Femi, the whole world should know me. Even the ones who don't know me should see me, Pastor Oluwafemi was given to me in 2007."
"I met Gbadamosi who is the chief security officer to Pastor Olukoya at a native doctor's house, what did he go there to do? He was surprised to see me, and I did not reveal it to any human being. I was arrested and kept in the cell, I was there for 30 days. I didn't have a lawyer."
"They handcuffed my hands and legs, and put me in the boot of a vehicle. As we were going, they branched at a filling station and brought me out, removed the handcuff from my hands and transferred me into a jeep (SUV) and was taken to Pastor Olukoya's place."
"When we got to my general overseer's place, I told him with respect and honour in accordance to MFM, that I had been in a cell for days, his response was so shocking to me. He said don't you know that our prayers here are always answered?
"I pleaded with our father, Olukoya not to let them take me back to the station, because I didn't know my offence. He said the case was already at the station, and that I should let the police carry out their work. He told them to take me away."
"They took me to Theatre where they tortured people, I was beaten and handcuffed. When they came to the Theatre, one DPO shot me in the leg."
"We were in police custody for several days without food. One day the IPO asked me to call my people because we were going to the house of death at GRA Oduduwa Crescent in Ikeja (SARS)."
"After over 25 days in SARS, they bailed us with N250,000 and took us to Eleefo Magistrate Court at Ebute Metta. In the court, I was accused of attempted murder, conspiracy, armed robbery and felony. They also accused me of stealing N2 million. The court then adjourned the matter till further notice while I was remanded in Ikoyi Prison."
Pastor Femi Jimoh, who identified himself as a former MFM pastor, had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over alleged armed robbery.
Pastor Femi Jimoh, who identified himself as a former MFM pastor, had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over alleged armed robbery.
I know the op always like story like this and sowore also that once had issues before sowore was found guilty also liked issue like this. As you come from different angles, you are always being put to shame. He said his problem started when he saw his security chief in harbalist house. What did he go to do himself in harbalist house in the first place?
Beside that once a case has been handed over to police or court, pastor Olukoya can not just interfere in the case that is before the court or police just like Buhari/Tinubu doesn't just interfere in kanu case and many other issues. If they do, people will still accuse them of interfering with court processes. Pastor Olukoya can not just interfere in that kind of case at the court and under police. You can blame himself, his lawyer, police and the court. It is never the problem of pastor Olukoya to interfere in that kind of matter
Pastor Femi Jimoh, who identified himself as a former MFM pastor, had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over alleged armed robbery.
Pastor Femi should face his music. They can just arrest you because he saw chief security officer in harbalist house. What did pastor Femi Jimoh himself went to do at harbalist house? Was he called for naming ceremony or what?
As for Sowore, that one is a well know playboy that was once a looser with same pastor. He is just trying to hide under this pastor Femi to revenge. Unfortunately, there is no case that concern pastor Olukoya. You don't expect pastor Olukoya to interfere with case that was already in the police and court custody just like Buhari did not interfere with kanu case or other cases under court, police or EFCC and Tinubu also never interfere.
Pastor Olukoya can not just use his power to interfere in case like this. I will say the same thing that let police do their work. As for Op, he always like any other men of God aside pastor Kumuyi to take front page. He likes issues like that. May God makes him more mature in Christendom and not be a tool for devil to thrive
Pastor Femi should face his music. They can just arrest you because he saw chief security officer in harbalist house. What did pastor Femi Jimoh himself went to do at harbalist house? Was he called for naming ceremony or what?
As for Sowore, that one is a well know playboy that was once a looser with same pastor. He is just trying to hide under this pastor Femi to revenge. Unfortunately, there is no case that concern pastor Olukoya. You don't expect pastor Olukoya to interfere with case that was already in the police and court custody just like Buhari did not interfere with kanu case or other cases under court, police or EFCC and Tinubu also never interfere.
Pastor Olukoya can not just use his power to interfere in case like this. I will say the same thing that let police do their work. As for Op, he always like any other men of God aside pastor Kumuyi to take front page. He likes issues like that. May God makes him more mature in Christendom and not be a tool for devil to thrive
It is so clear that you are ignorant of the full story. He said the herbalist's son is a carpenter and they went to call him for a carpentry work. He was also not there alone.
COMRADES, Nigerian laws are meant for the defenceless and the destitute. Once you're rich you're above the law you can even buy life especially in this Tinubu's regime
bet9ja:
It is so clear that you are ignorant of the full story. He said the herbalist's son is a carpenter and they went to call him for a carpentry work. He was also not there alone.
It was not stated in the text I read, and even if that was the case, if the son was a carpenter that he went to call for carpentry work. It means the son of the harbalist is already familiar with the church on ground of carpentry work. MFM's CSO may go to the father of the son (carpenter) for underground investigation about the suspicious pastor Femi Jimoh. no one will arrest pastor Jimoh only because he saw chief security in harbalist house. There must be hidden things he is covering that only himself, police and CSO may expose.
Pastor Olukoya can not just intervene on such matters in the hand of the police and the court. He needs to allow security to do their work without interfering just like president buhari and Tinubu don't want to interfere on kanu or other matters already in the hand of police, efcc or court
This is a humanitarian crisis. If the Christian Association of Nigeria and the PFN are still alive, speak up. Dr. Olukoya must then come forward to present your version of Pastor Femi Jimoh, and Caleb Oloruntele's allegations to the world.
Response to Dr. Daniel Olukoya of MFM. Dr. Olukoya must fire that Chief Legal Adviser for being inhumane his disgraceful comments, and his ridiculous videos casting a shadow of doubt on the credibility of Yoruba GIDI TV Interview. Dr. Olukoya must fire that lawyer immediately and come out to address the world
Testimony and Commentary include:
- Nigerian Church Leadership: Where are the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria?
- Pastor Femi Jimoh and Caleb Oloruntele
- The Inhumane and Disgraceful PR Response from MFM Lawyer.
- Dr. Olukoya Personal Lawyers Comments on Funke Ashekun and Ayotunde Richards Video
- Deliverance is not Tied to the Church
- Call on Pastors to Get into the Industry to Work
- Pastor Adetunji and the MFM Bowie Split 2016
- 2016 Inquiry Compensation and Retirement Plans for MFM Pastors
- 2016 Counsel to Olukoya: Withdraw MFM Pastors in North America, to deliver them and Retrain them
- “GO will Never Forgive Him” - MFM Top Leader, 2016
- Warfare Trends against Rising Leaders
- The End of the Church Age
- The North American Mafia Disrupting Independent Organizations
- True Followers of Christ will Stay Home to Worship and Fellowship Mindfully.
It's Not MFM’s Fault Ex-Ministers Spent 9 Years In Jail; They Chose To Stay In Prison When No One Bailed Them Out –Church Lawyer
June 10, 2024
NEWS
However, a July 2016 ruling of a Lagos State High Court at Igbosere acquitted and discharged Jimoh and two others charged with conspiracy to rob the church.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) has stated that its ex- who were locked up for nine years chose to remain in prison because nobody went to secure their release after they were granted bail.
Pastor Femi Jimoh, who identified himself as a former MFM pastor, had accused the church of being behind his incarceration for nine years without trial, over alleged armed robbery.
Jimoh, who disclosed this in an interview with Yoruba Gidi TV, alleged that his trial started when he met the chief security officer of Pastor Daniel Olukoya at a native doctor's house.
He said he was beaten and handcuffed while a Divisional Police Officer shot him in the leg.
According to him, his mother and sister went to beg Olukoya on his behalf but he told them that he would be released only if he pleaded guilty in court.
Also, a former usher with the church, Caleb Oloruntele, alleged that the church founder, Olukoya ordered the police to shoot him.
Oloruntele also revealed this in an interview with Yoruba Gidi TV.
According to him, Olukoya wanted him dead because he refused to give false testimony against a pastor he identified as Femi Agboola.
The former usher said he was prosecuted in 2008 without any concrete evidence to prove the allegation made against him.
The Chief Legal Adviser of the church, Davidson Adejuwon, during a press conference in Lagos on Friday, noted that their claims of being in jail for nine years for an offence they did not commit was false, mischievous and misleading.
He accused Pastor Femi of being a serial offender in the ministry.
He narrated two incidents in Warri and Ibadan that he claimed showed Pastor Femi's character while he was with MFM.
He said, "Their claims of being locked up in jail for nine years for an offence they did not commit was false, mischievous and misleading. Pastor Femi has been a serial offender in the ministry.
"If not forgiveness and magnanimity, what other reason or factor that will make an organization to keep giving its offending staff another chance after every offence committed?"
"It's actually absurd to imagine that the church as big as MFM will go so low to frame up two of his ministers, just because of a claim which is even false."
"They were never locked up for nine years, they were granted bail but nobody went to secure their bail. They chose to remain in the custody."
"As such, a case of planned armed attack on credible intelligence against the church which could have led to the death of any member cannot be treated and handled internally by the church."
“We must report such to the law enforcement agency saddled with the responsibilities to investigate and deal with such issues. And that was exactly what we did as a responsible church.”
Michael Gbadamosi, the chief security officer of Pastor Olukoya whom Pastor Femi accused of meeting at a native doctor's house in Ogbomoso, was present at the briefing.
He described the claim as untrue.
"I know that Ogbomoso is in Nigeria, but I Michael Olawale Gbadamosi, have never been to Ogbomosho before," he said.
However, a July 2016 ruling of a Lagos State High Court at Igbosere acquitted and discharged Jimoh and two others charged with conspiracy to rob the church.
The other defendants in the case were Henry Aiyewero and Caleb Oloruntele.
Justice O. A. Williams in her ruling said, "I therefore find that the Inference that there is an agreement between the defendants to commit the crime of robbing MFM church cannot be made."
"The prosecution not having proved its case, there is no burden on the defendants to prove their defence. I find and hold that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendants are therefore acquitted and discharged."
Beyond that, one of the exhibits presented in court by the prosecution was a video recording of when the suspects met in a bar to allegedly conspire to rob MFM.
However, according to the testimony of the manager of the hotel in a court document obtained by SaharaReporters, the prosecution witnesses 'stage-managed' the setting.
He said he permitted a friend of one of the prosecution witnesses to use the hotel's bar for a movie.
The hotel manager said he was shocked to later find out that some of the 'actors' had been put in jail.
The court document read, "Paul Effiong the manager of Jethro Hotel testified as DW5 (Defence Witness 5). He stated that PW1 (Prosecution Witness 1- Adebayo Fatai, who testified as a security guard at Savannah Bar in Onike) and PW3 (one Akeem Asalu) are his customers. He deposed that he was informed by one Orji, PW3's friend that movie would be shot at the hotel's bar and happily gave his consent.
"He narrated how about 11 people including PW1, PW3, Orji and the defendants came for the video shoot and how it was set. He was shocked to see the defendants on television and to hear that they were robbers about a month later."
"He stated that he was suspended at work for about a month for permitting the shoot and eventually sacked. When he met up with PW1, PW3 and Orji after he got a new job and brought up the issue of the movie, Orji told him there was no movie, that what it was an arranged work, a business deal."
"When he probed him further, PW1 gave him a phone number, which he called and he spoke to a lawyer who told him the three people involved were in prison."
"Under cross-examination, he stated that he worked in Jethro Hotel in Iwaya between July 2007 and 19/04/08 and that the video was shot in the bar of the hotel. He added that he was sacked because he did not inform the management or get approval before he allowed the film to be shot at the hotel."
That someone choose to remain in prison for 9 years is absurd on the past of MFM, may be they thought he will die there am sure they must have made arrangements for him not to come out.
