Baltimore Judge Awards Record $50,000 Damages Against Nigerian Blogger for Defamation of MFM General Overseer
A landmark judgment was delivered by Judge Theresa Adams of the Baltimore County Circuit Court in the United States, as she imposed a record $50,000 in damages on Funke Ashekun, a US-based Nigerian blogger. The ruling came in response to defamation claims filed by the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya.
In a statement released on Thursday by Collins Edomaruse, Olukoya's media aide, it was highlighted that the court found Ashekun's social media posts defamatory towards MFM and its pastors, presenting them in a false light. The unanimous decision in favor of MFM USA and its pastors—Grace Ugeh, Kunle Ladipo, and Adekunle Adekola—was reached in the case with Case Number: C-03-CV-22-004424.
The MFM asserted that Ashekun, who recently migrated to the US, engaged in spreading falsehoods with the intent to tarnish the reputation of Dr. Olukoya and the MFM Church. Ashekun, responding to the lawsuit in a video on her YouTube channel, expressed surprise at the legal action, stating that she had never mentioned any specific church or pastor in her posts.
In her defense, Ashekun emphasized that her discussions were focused on societal issues, including sexual abuse within religious institutions. She clarified that the term "Pharaohs" was a satirical name she coined to address oppressors in general, without targeting any specific church or pastor.
The MFM lead counsel, Gilbert Garcia, welcomed the judgment, stating that the church was gratified with the jury's decision, which vindicated their position. This legal development adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding freedom of speech, social media responsibility, and the limits of expression within the realm of religious critique.
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