Nigeria MFM Church Assets Frozen in UK Following Financial Mismanagement Probe

The Digest:

The UK Charity Commission has frozen the assets of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International. According to the Commission's report, the decision follows an investigation that uncovered "deep-rooted governance failures," weak financial controls, and the mismanagement of church funds across over 100 bank accounts.

Key Points:

• The UK Charity Commission has frozen all assets of MFM International.
• An investigation found "deep-rooted governance failures" and financial mismanagement.
• The church operated over 100 bank accounts with substantial risks to charitable assets.
• The 2004 constitution gave Founder Dr. Daniel Olukoya excessive control over trustees.
• Some trustees were paid employees, a breach of charity law later corrected.
• An Interim Manager was appointed in 2019 at a cost of over £1 million to restore control.
• The Commission warned that misuse of charity funds could amount to criminal conduct.

This intervention reveals how structural flaws within an institution can threaten its very mission, requiring external forces to impose the order necessary for its preservation and integrity.

Sources: UK Charity Commission, Daily Post, Vanguard