The Baltimore County Court, Maryland, United States of America, has slammed $300,000 damages on Olufunke Ashekun for defaming the Mountain of Fire and Miracles, MFM, ministries USA Incorporated and its founder, Dr Daniel Olukoya.

Recall that Ashekun and MFM have been in a legal battle following her posts and campaigns on social media, which the church considered defamatory and offensive.

A statement by the church on Sunday said the jury having found Ashekun guilty of “defamation and false light”, it was ruled that she pays the church compensatory damages in the sum of $250,000 and punitive damages in the sum of $50,000 to serve as a deterrent for unfounded allegations.

The court noted that the plaintiff proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt even as it regretted what it described as “weak, inadmissible evidence and witnesses” of the defendant.

It further noted that Ashekun’s campaign negatively affected the professional integrity of Mountain of Fire and the church’s reputation.

Parts of the statement read, “In a judgment handed down by the Circuit Court of Baltimore County Maryland on the 13” of March 2026 in the matter of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries USA, INC v Olufunke Ashekun, the plaintiff successfully prosecuted its claims of Defamation and False Light resulting in a binding Court order against Olufunke Ashekun for compensatory damages in the sum of $250,000 and punitive damages in the sum of $50,000.

“In granting the judgment and damages, the Court recognized the prolonged intense and malicious campaign conducted by Olufunke Ashekun against Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries USA, INC. who was seriously concerned by the reach and extent of her destructive rhetoric.”

The statement also disclosed that a day to the ruling by the jury, Funke Ashekun slumped when she realized that the case was already overwhelmingly against her and was taken out from the court by an emergency 911 Ambulance.

It noted that the following day, her husband suffered the same fate of slumping in court when the jury made its pronouncement.

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Hundreds of young people from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State on Saturday staged a protest along the Oweto–Otukpo highway, blocking the road near the Oweto Bridge to demand decisive action over the continued killing of residents by suspected armed herders.

The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, began their action on Friday and maintained the blockade for several hours, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy route and drawing public attention to the worsening security situation in their communities.

Waving placards bearing messages such as “Stop Agatu killings now,” “Save Agatu now,” and “We do not need Fulani in Agatu,” the protesters urged both the Federal Government and the Benue State government to intervene swiftly and restore peace in the troubled area.

Addressing the crowd, National Youth President of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Ebi Lucky, said repeated attacks by suspected Fulani militias had forced many residents to abandon their ancestral homes.

He added that a large number of displaced people have been living in temporary shelters along the banks of the Oweto River for more than two years.

“Our people have been in this trouble for the past two and a half years. Many have left their ancestral homes and are now living here without shelter, food, schools or medical care,” he said.

Lucky stated that the demonstration was organised to draw the attention of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the hardship faced by displaced residents and the continued attacks in communities across Agatu West.

He also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia and the Agatu Local Government chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, accusing them of neglecting the affected communities.

“We have cried to the local government chairman and the state governor, but nobody has come to our aid. All we are demanding is peace in Agatu land and the opportunity to return to our farms,” he said.

The protesters also appealed to the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu, and the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Patrick Aba Moro, urging them to take concrete steps to address the suffering of their constituents.

They further called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities, particularly areas they described as porous entry points frequently used by attackers.

Agatu, situated in southern Benue and predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, relies heavily on farming and fishing as the primary sources of livelihood.

One of the victims, Mrs. Mercy Danladi, recounted how her husband, sister and cousin lost their lives during separate attacks on Ochelefu village between 2013 and 2025.

She appealed to the Federal Government to urgently step in and provide adequate security to allow displaced residents return to their homes and farmlands.

Another displaced resident, Ajumi John, disclosed that more than 200 internally displaced persons are currently sheltering in makeshift huts close to the riverbank.

“Our community has been taken over by the militia. We have nowhere to go. When it rains, we cover the roofs of our huts made of sticks and grass with leather,” he said.

The protesters insisted they would continue the demonstration until authorities take concrete measures to halt the killings and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Agatu Division, CSP Dennis Asawa, who monitored security during the protest, praised the demonstrators for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.

“I appreciate the protesters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner. Their message has been conveyed to the authorities, and appropriate actions will be taken,” he said.

Also speaking, National Secretary of the Agatu West Peace and Unity Forum, Mr. Dandy Adoba, claimed that more than 15 villages in Agatu West have been overrun by armed herders since 2013.

He added that hundreds of residents had been killed in the attacks, noting that security forces stationed nearby had yet to be deployed to the worst-hit communities.

“Our people are dying almost on a daily basis. We are appealing to the Federal Government to deploy security personnel so that our people can return home,” he said.

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Veteran Yoruba broadcaster and comic actor, Timothy Agboola, widely known as Ereke Ni Shop, has died after battling an illness.

It was reports that the entertainer passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Lagos after reportedly being sick for a long time.

Agboola built a strong reputation in Yoruba broadcasting and comedy.

Over the years, he became popular for programmes that mixed humour with storytelling while also promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.

Many listeners saw him as someone who loved his heritage and proudly represented Ijesa culture through his work.

Following the announcement of his death, many colleagues, friends and fans began sharing messages of condolence on social media.

One of his associates, Idris Shogbola, was among those who first shared the sad news online while mourning the loss of the veteran broadcaster.

“May the soul of our boss rest in peace. Pa Timothy Agboola ‘Ereke ni Shop’. Baba Oloye Repete… A broadcaster, actor, comedian. May God Almighty give you eternal rest in peace. Amen. Ereke ni Shop sun re o,” he wrote.

Agboola gained wide attention through his unique storytelling style and lively comedy.

His radio shows often combined humour with social observations about daily life, which made him popular among many Yoruba listeners.

During his long career in the entertainment industry, he worked with several well-known entertainers, including Baba Alajeju.

Some of his comedy performances date back to the 1970s when he was already becoming known for his lively stage presence.

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