Tensions flared on Friday at the headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as a group of Nigerian women under the Concerned Mothers Advocacy Group staged a protest, demanding a thorough investigation into serious allegations against Dr. Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).
According to *SaharaReporters*, the women, some visibly emotional and carrying placards, accused Dr. Olukoya of alleged segxwal abuse, blackmail, and intimidation, submitting a formal petition to NAPTIP’s Director-General to initiate immediate action.
The petition, signed by Dipo Olujobi, detailed grave accusations including claims of segxwal assault, exploitation of congregants, and systemic cover-ups allegedly orchestrated by MFM leadership. It also cited alleged legal harassment tactics used against former church members and critics.
Our religious spaces must not become safe havens for predators hiding behind faith. NAPTIP must act swiftly to investigate and bring justice to victims,” the protesters said.
Among the claims highlighted in the petition:
– **Legal Intimidation:** Former MFM minister Funke Ashekun alleged that Dr. Olukoya uses proxy lawsuits filed abroad to silence critics. Ashekun said she faced four lawsuits in the U.S., with fines amounting to $50,000. Another alleged victim, identified as Badejo, reportedly suffered financial ruin in the U.K.
*segxwal Abuse and Blackmail:** Multiple women accused Dr. Olukoya of segxwal misconduct, allegedly recorded secretly with disguised devices. A former associate, Akpeji Daniel, reportedly admitted to procuring women for the cleric and facilitating the sharing of explicit videos.
*Cover-Ups and Threats:** Reports also cited cases of violent retaliation, including the shooting of a pastor and an attempted execution of a church member in 2008.
The petition stressed that these actions violate several Nigerian laws, including provisions in the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, the Criminal Code Act, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and the Nigerian Constitution.
The women further criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for allegedly failing to distance itself from Dr. Olukoya despite claims he is not a registered member.
Their demands to NAPTIP include launching an independent investigation, collaborating with local and international law enforcement bodies like INTERPOL, protecting whistleblowers, and reviewing alleged abuse of judicial processes through proxy lawsuits.
The gravity of these allegations threatens the sanctity of religious institutions and the protection of vulnerable Nigerians,” the group stated. “NAPTIP must use its full powers under the Trafficking in Persons Act to uphold justice.”
In response, NAPTIP officials acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the protesters that the agency would study the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action in line with its mandate.
