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Tag: MFM

  • MFM drags Sahara Reporters, publisher to US court

    The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) and its General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, have dragged online publication Sahara Reporters and its publisher, Mr. Omoyele Sowore to a court in the United States of America (US) for alleged defamation and ancilliary torts.

    The plaintiffs approached the United States District Court for the District of Maryland to demand sanctions against the online publication and its proprietor for defaming them in several online publications.

    The suit bearing Case No. 8:18-cv-02922, which will be heard by Judge Theodore D. Chuang, has Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya; Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Inc., a Nevada Corporation (MFM Nevada), and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Bowie, Maryland, a Maryland Corporation (MFM Bowie) as plaintiffs.

    In the complaint and demand for jury trial commencing the case, the plaintiff’s lawyers emphasised that the action arose from the defendants’ unrelenting campaign to defame Olukoya and MFM, saying that the defendants’ alleged malice stemmed from a disagreement between MFM and Sahara Reporters dating back to January, 2013.

    Recalling a publication by Sahara Reporters on September 27, 2017 entitled Former Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries Pastors Accuse General Overseer Olukoya of Illegal Importation of Goods in US Property Dispute, the plaintiffs’ lawyers recalled that the matter was dragged to the court during which witnesses for MFM disproved allegations of tax evasion, but Sahara Reporters again failed to report on the fact that the tax evasion issues had been rebuffed.

    In a 49-paragraph complaint, the plaintiffs stated their three causes of action as defamation, defamation per se and false light.

    They therefore demanded:

    .An award against all defendants to compensate for all economic damages sustained as a result of their tortious conduct.

    .An award against all defendants to compensate for all presumed and actual reputational damage.

    .An award against all defendants to compensate for all presumed an actual damages resulting from mental anguish and emotional distress.

    .An award against all defendants of punitive damages; Attorney’s fees and costs;

    Injunctive relief, including but not limited to the removal of the false and defamatory materials from any website over which defendants have control.

    .Any and all other relief that the Court deems just and proper.

    The case is expected to be a Jury trial as demanded by the Plaintiffs.

  • Libel: MFM sues Sowore, Sahara Reporters

    The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has filed a suit against Sahara Reporters, an online media platform, its publisher Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation over a series of alleged false, malicious and defamatory publications against the church and its General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya.

    In the suit No HU/250/2018 pending before the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo Judicial Division, the claimants are demanding N10bn as damages and retraction of the publications.

    The retraction, according to the church, should be a written apology in Sahara Reporters online platform, three nationally circulating newspapers and two internationally circulating magazines, one of which must be the TIME International.

    The MFM also requested the court to direct Sahara Reporters to pull down and erase from the world-wide-web each of the offending stories published between 2013 and June 30th, 2018.

    In addition, the claimants demanded perpetual injunction restraining the “defendants by themselves, their agents, servants, privies or other persons howsoever called or described from further publishing and disseminating libelous stories and statements against the Claimants or any of them.”

    The Counsel, Barr. Ime Asanga said the church was constrained to take legal action following the intransigence of Omoleye Soleye and his co-defendants in refusing to desist from publishing false and malicious articles against the MFM over the stated period.

    Asanga also disclosed that the defendants turned down the opportunity for a peaceful resolution when they failed to take advantage of a seven-day window offered them to retract the offending publications.

  • Supporters angry as MFM FC drops points against Rivers Utd

    MFM FC supporters were visibly angry on Monday as their team failed to spark after the visiting Rivers United FC claimed a 1-1 draw at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    It was reported that the supporters were not happy with the referee’s decision not to award what they claimed was clear cut penalties to MFM after infringements on their players in the first half.

    A cross section of the fans expressed disappointment with the officiating of the important match which they claimed that the referee contributed to MFM’s unfavourable result.

    Speaking to our reporter, a fan who gave his name as Sheriff claimed that MFM was clearly robbed during the match.

    “’This is a clear robbery in Lagos, the officiating was so poor, we don’t expect this type of officiating at all,’’ he said.

    Another, Tunbosun Agbaje, said that the fans were not happy when games were won or lost by the teams with the aid of the referees.

    “It is unfortunate when teams lose matches with the aid of referees, we are often discouraged when we see this type of match.

    “How do they want us to be coming to watch a pre-determined game. It’s not worth it and our league may not grow if these poor officiating continues,’’ he said.

    Reports confirmed that the Olukoya Boys seeking s redemption after the CAF Confederation Cup ouster needed to win the NPFL Match Day 18 fixture but eventually dropped the valuable points.

    A goal from last year’s BBC Goal of the Month recipient, Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 17th minute should have been added to in the first half but MFM were denied by Rivers United goalkeeper, Rotimi Sunday.

    Rotimi was able to rise to the call to save three goal bound efforts from Nojeem Akinyemi, in the 12th, Olatunbosun’s flick header, 15th and Udeh Zintel 35th minutes.

    The “Pride’’ of Rivers, Coach, Stanley Eguma, however, made a tactical change in the second half with the introduction of Malachi Ohawume to switch from 4:3:2 to 4:4:2 formation in the 63rd minute.

    The introduction of Malachi yielded positive result as Emeka Atuloma fired an outside box shot to the top corner of the net leaving MFM goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi helpless.

    Speaking after the match, Olatunbosun said that he was disappointed.

    “I am disappointed with the outcome of the match which I also share the sentiment that we are clearly robbed.

    “We tried our best to win the match, but in football, you win some and lose some. We will try harder next time,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • MFM FC crash out of CAF Champions League

    Lagos-based MFM FC were on Saturday handed the heaviest defeat in their history as they were walloped 0-6 by MC Algers in the second leg of the CAF Champions League in Algiers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bernard Casoni-tutored team was ruthless as expected in the return leg played at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers.

    The host were already 4-0 up in the first half of the game with goals from Nekkache, Walid Derrajada, Sofiane Bedeka.

    The icing was put on the cake for the North African team as they put two more goals past hapless MFM goalkeeper Abayomi Folarin.

    Nekkache was on song again with a long range pass from Hachoud, while a last gap long range by Ibrahim Amada 2 minutes in the injury time condemned MFM to a scandalous 0-6 defeat.

    The Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored side had earlier won the first leg of the second round by 2-1. They however lost out 7-2 on aggregate.

    MC Alger have now joined TP Mazembe of DR Congo, Al Ahly of Egypt, Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows and Primeiro de Agosto of Angola as qualifiers for the group stage.(NAN)

  • MFM FC claim away draw against Real Bamako of Mali

    MFM FC claim away draw against Real Bamako of Mali

    MFM Football Club of Lagos were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Real Bamako of Mali in their preliminary round tie in the 2018 CAF Champions League on Sunday.

    Playing their first-ever competitive game on the continent, MFM FC acquitted themselves well in the first leg game at the Stade Modibo Keita in Bamako.

    This was in spite of a bright start by their hosts, and they took a shock lead in the 15th minute through Nojeem Akinyemi.

    The lead however lasted only two minutes before Miakab Giscard levelled scores for the home team with a powerful header.

    The visitors suffered a setback five minutes before the break when reliable forward Adekunle Adegboyega was substituted by Akuneto Chijioke due to injury.

    Real Bamako piled on the pressure in the second half but Ospino Egbe stood firm in goal for the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL runners-up from last season.

    Dimunitive playmaker Chukwuka Onuwa was forced off in the 66th minute due to injury and was replaced by Ubamaka Peter.

    Amadou Hiadara came close to scoring the winning goal for Real Bamako five minutes before the end of the game but his free header went off target.

    The return leg fixture will come up in a fortnight at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.(NAN)

  • Man burgles church, steals TV, others

    Man burgles church, steals TV, others

    A man who allegedly burgled a Mountain of Fire and Miracle (MFM) Ministries and carted away appliances worth N440,000, was on Wednesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Thompson Otobo, 25, is arraigned before Mr. L.A. Layeni on three –count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

    Police counsel, Reuben Solomon, said Otobo, who resides near General Paints, Ajah, Lagos, committed the alleged offences at 2:30 a.m. on January 31 at MFM Ministries parish, Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah.

    Solomon alleged that Otobo and two of his accomplices, who are at large, broke into the church and stole a TV worth N250, 000, a fireman generator worth N60,000, two wall OX fans valued at N60,000, a DVD decoder valued at N20,000 and four speakers worth N50,000.

    He valued the entire items at N440, 000.

    The court heard that the parish reported the theft at Area J Police Command, Elemoro, Ibeju-Lekki following which investigation began.

    Solomon said the defendant was arrested at a market in Ajah, while trying to sell some of the stolen items.

    According to him, the defendant confessed during interrogation that he stole the items so he could sell them and use the proceeds to start his life.

    He added that the offences contravened sections 411, 307(2) and 311 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and punishable under same.

    Otobo pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Magistrate Layeni granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Layeni ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ikoyi Prison till he fulfills the bail conditions.

    The case continues on February 21.

  • MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    MFM FC of Lagos on Tuesday assured its teeming fans a good outing in the upcoming 2017/2018 CAF Champions League season campaign.

    The assurance was given by the club’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    MFM secured a place to represent Nigeria in the continental competition, after taking the second position in the Nigeria Professional Football League season.

    Plateau United surprisingly emerged as the NPFL’s champion, ahead of other renowned teams in the league.

    In recognition of their good outing at the just-concluded league, players and officials of the club were hosted by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode at Government House, Alausa.

    The governor promised to support the club with necessary logistics to enable it to prosecute assignments next season and outlined his government’s vision of providing a viable platform for youths to thrive.

    “We need to use sports as an instrument to build the economy of Lagos State and also direct the energy of our younger ones to things that are positive as exemplified by what is happening today,’’ Ambode had said.

    Speaking on the readiness of MFM for its maiden continental outing, Quadri said that the club was ready to justify the confidence placed on them by Lagos fans.

    “We so much appreciate the level of support we have received from Lagos fans since we gained promotion to the elite division even when we are in the lower league.

    “Lagos fans are passionate about football and we respect them a great deal; having this at the back of our minds, we promise not to let them down in the continent.

    “Our preparation towards our continental campaign is in top gear. Of course, we are shopping for some other good footballers to join us in our campaign at the CAF Champions League.

    “We need to reassure our fans that we will deliver a good outing during the continental campaign, we are ready to take on the clubs from Africa,’’ he said.

    On the issue of Stephen Odey who left the club mid-season for Europe, Quadri told NAN that it would be difficult to replace the striker.

    “Odey is an important player to us, considering his contributions towards our campaign in the league. He is the highest goal scorer and had since moved on to FC Zurich.

    “We miss him a lot and wish him well. It’s going to be hard to replace him, but we are trying to get a good replacement for him.

    “We will also shore up other departments too and we are presently scouting for good players to join the team. We have put the necessary machinery in place.

    “Some of the players are already aspiring to join the team, but we will ensure we pick the best out of them for the successful continental campaign,’’ Quadri said.

  • Ogunbote hails MFM after draw, Plateau maintain NPFL lead

    Ogunbote hails MFM after draw, Plateau maintain NPFL lead

    Coach of Enyimba Football Club, Gbenga Ogunbote has praised the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM FC) for being a strong and disciplined side.

    He however expressed delight that his side left the fixture with a point.

    He spoke  after the People’s Elephant drew 0-0 against the Lagos side at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    “What do you expect from a side that has been together for years? I salute their resilience and courage,” Ogunbote said.

    Speaking on Enyimba’s chances of playing continental football, Ogunbote said “I can assure you that we will finish the season at an appreciable position.”

    With the draw MFM held on to second position with 56 points, while Enyimba are fourth on 51 points on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table.

    MFM FC striker, Sikiru Olatunbosun said his side has accepted the result in good faith, and will work hard to win the next match against Plateau United.

    Shooting Stars gave their fight against relegation a big boost following their 2-1 comeback win against Gombe United, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

    Musa Usman gave Gombe the lead on 55 minutes before Seun Akinyemi equalised from the penalty spot on 72 minutes.

    Najeem Olukokun scored the winner on 79 minutes, to get  a win that takes Shooting Stars to 43 points and 14th on the log.

    Plateau United maintained their strong hold at the top of the table following their impressive 1-1 away draw against Kano Pillars in Kano. Ibeh Johnson gave the visitors a surprise 1-0 lead when he scored in the 17th minute.

    But Pillars were back on level terms in the 52nd minute through Hamza Abba Tiya as both teams shared the spoils.

     

    NPFL Matchday 33 Results

    Wikki Tourist 1-1 Enugu Rangers

    ABS 2-0 Remo Stars

    Kano Pillars 1-1 Plateau United

    Shooting Stars 2-1 Gombe United

    Lobi Stars 2-4 Abia Warriors

    FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Nasarawa United

    Nigeria Tornadoes 1-0 El-Kanemi

    Sunshine Stars 1-0 Akwa United

    MFM FC 0-0 Enyimba

  • Win against FC Ifeanyi Uba big relief-MFM Player

    Win against FC Ifeanyi Uba big relief-MFM Player

    Lagos-based MFM fringe midfielder, Waheed Akanni, has described the narrow win over FC Ifeanyi Uba in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 22 as a big relief.

    Akanni, who scored the only goal of the match, said after the game on Sunday at Agege Township Stadium that “it is a heavy load put off the back of our team’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akanni had put MFM in front with a sublime kick in the 19 minute of the game after an assist by Monsuru Bashiru.

    He was also a thorn in the flesh of the visitors with his accurate passes.

    On the match Akanni said that the visitors made them to sweat for the win.

    “The most important thing is the three points either we are made to sweat or not, it does not matter.

    “The win is a big relief and we appreciate our efforts at winning this game. It was a heavy load put off our back.

    “We are condemned to win the match, so the approach is different,” he said.

    MFM had started the match in their usual passing style which made FC Ifeanyi Uba’s goalie to make a double save from Stephen Odey’s strike in the 7th minutes.

    Adebayo Waheed also launched an attack in the 11th minute with fine low cross but FC Ifeanyi Uba goalkeeper intercepted it for a corner.

    FC Ifeanyi Uba had a first shot at goal in the 13th minute with a free kick in the vital position with King Osanga’s intelligent kick only for MFM FC’s goalkeeper Abayomi Folarin to punch it to safety.

    MFM golden boy Sikiru Okormunbosun also won a free kick in the 17th minute only for Okorm Stanley’s low drive to hit Ifeanyi Uba’s defence line.

    The Olukoya Boys however dominated the entire encounter with great display in the last minutes of the first half.

    The scorer of the only goal Waheed, however, picked up an injury in the 36th minute after which he was substituted with Akinyemi Nojeem in the 40th minute.

    The Olukoya Boys seriously searched for the second goal with Olatunbosun and Odey threatening the visitors defence throughout the encounter.

    MFM chance came in the 84th minute when Odey beat his marker after a nice turning with a chance to double the lead but his effort went over the cross bar.

    He was later substituted in the 85th minute for Tchato Giscard.

     

  • MFM will halt FC IfeanyiUbah’s unbeaten run – Ilechukwu

    MFM will halt FC IfeanyiUbah’s unbeaten run – Ilechukwu

    Fidelis Ilechukwu vows that MFM will halt the impressive run of FC IfeanyiUbah when both sides meet on Sunday.

    “We are in the right frame of mind ahead of the match against IfeanyiUbah on Sunday,” Ilechukwu told Goal.

    “We’ve gone two matches in the second round without a win and that isn’t good for the image of the team. They have an unbeaten run but we shall break that on Sunday because that unbeaten run does not have anything to do with me.

    “We have monitored them closely, we’ve seen their games and we have put up an antidote to secure a win.

    “The match will be a revenge to what happened to us in Nnewi when we lost in the reverse fixture. My team knows that we have to win, the boys are ready and we are all waiting.  It’s one of those games we’ve been waiting for and by God’s we shall see and be triumph on Sunday.”