Former MFM Chorister Detained by Nigerian High Court for Alleged Cyberbullying, Others

Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, has ordered that Ayotunde Richards, a gospel singer and former member of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM), should be remanded at Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

This legal predicament unfolds as Richards faces charges in court, with accusations primarily focusing on cyberbullying and libel against Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the founder of MFM. The allegations stem from a petition initiated by Davidson Adejuwon, a lawyer and aide to Dr. Olukoya, claiming Richards, alongside others, engaged in activities detrimental to Olukoya’s reputation through online platforms.

The heart of the matter appears to be a series of posts made by Richards on social media platforms, including a blog known as ‘Moment of Truth’ and his Facebook handle. These posts criticized Olukoya’s actions and questioned his conduct as a pastor, with some insinuating threats to Richards’ life for leaving the church.

Amid these accusations, Richards has also pursued legal action against Olukoya, alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights. This includes claims of unlawful detention orchestrated by Olukoya, which further complicates the ongoing legal battles between the two parties.

The charges against Richards are severe, encompassing multiple counts of cyberbullying and libel under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. These developments raise significant questions about the limits of freedom of expression, the role of the church in personal disputes, and the potential misuse of legal mechanisms to silence dissent or criticism.