Court Orders 10-Day Jail Term For MFM Loyalist Caught Recording Maureen Badejo

In a dramatic twist that has set tongues wagging across Nigeria and the diaspora, a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate remand of Kayode Samuel Jolaoso, a known loyalist of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) founder, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 10 days over contempt of court.

Jolaoso was caught secretly recording UK-based Nigerian blogger and critic, Maureen Badejo, during court proceedings — an action strictly prohibited under Nigerian court rules.

The incident occurred shortly after the same court granted Badejo bail in the sum of ₦10 million with a surety acceptable to the court. Badejo had been detained by the Nigeria Police following petitions reportedly filed by Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries and Pastor Daniel Olukoya of MFM.

Badejo’s legal team, led by Yinka Owoeye and supported by four other lawyers, was present in court as the proceedings unfolded.

How The Drama Unfolded In Court

Eyewitnesses told NaijaChoice News that Jolaoso had been a familiar face around the case in recent days. He was reportedly spotted outside a police station the previous day, sparking suspicions about his involvement. When challenged, a female police officer allegedly claimed he was one of them — a statement that only fuelled more questions.

During Tuesday’s session, Jolaoso was allegedly seen filming Badejo inside the courtroom for about 20 minutes. His actions drew the attention of other people present, leading to a confrontation that caught the presiding magistrate’s eye.

When the magistrate questioned him, Jolaoso denied recording anything. The court then ordered his mobile phone to be produced for inspection. A member of Badejo’s family reportedly volunteered to assist with the technical examination.

To the shock of many in the courtroom, investigators recovered a 20-minute video recording from the phone’s “recently deleted” folder. The clip showed it had been erased just moments earlier — a discovery that directly contradicted Jolaoso’s denial.

The magistrate wasted no time in finding him guilty of contempt of court and ordered his remand at Kirikiri for 10 days. He is to be returned to court after serving the term.

Sources inside the court revealed that while the phone was being examined, it kept receiving repeated calls from a contact saved as “Pastor,” who was apparently seeking updates, unaware that Jolaoso was already being led into custody.

Who Is Kayode Samuel Jolaoso?

Jolaoso, who has been vocal on social media defending MFM and Pastor Olukoya, had earlier taken to Facebook on Tuesday morning to accuse activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore of orchestrating a “fabricated media narrative” to obstruct justice and discredit investigations involving Badejo.

He claimed that reports portraying Badejo as a victim of persecution were misleading and ignored the “substantive issues” before law enforcement agencies.

In his post, Jolaoso insisted that Badejo was facing 13 separate petitions from individuals and organisations who claim they suffered harm from her actions.

“Maureen Badejo is not subject to a single questionable complaint. She is facing thirteen (13) distinct and serious petitions from individuals and entities who allege significant harm caused by her actions,” he wrote. “These petitioners have one unified and lawful demand: for their cases to be heard and justice sought in a competent court of law.”

He dismissed suggestions of police negotiations or specific demands as conditions for her release, stressing that bail matters rest solely with the courts.

Jolaoso further accused Sowore of running a campaign to distract the public from the allegations using media reports and social media pressure.

“Omoyele Sowore is not a defender of rights in this instance. He is acting as a blackmailer who fights not with evidence in court, but with misleading press releases designed to smear the names of petitioners and investigators,” he added. “This is not about persecution; it is about multiple allegations of harm that have formally been brought before the authorities. The petitioners deserve their day in court.”

Background To The Feud

The case is the latest chapter in a long-running battle between Maureen Badejo and some prominent Nigerian clerics. Badejo, who runs a YouTube channel and social media platforms critical of certain church practices, has repeatedly accused Pastor Olukoya and Apostle Suleman of various misconducts.

In the UK, Badejo lost a defamation suit filed by Pastor Olukoya and his wife, Folashade. A UK court ordered her to pay £100,000 in damages (approximately £65,000 to Olukoya and £35,000 to his wife) after ruling that her publications were false and defamatory. She was also previously ordered by an Ogun State High Court to pay N500 million to MFM and Olukoya over similar claims.

Badejo had returned to Nigeria partly for an appeal court matter scheduled in Ibadan, Oyo State, on February 16, 2026, before her arrest.

Her supporters, including Sowore, have described the police action as persecution and an attempt to silence criticism, while defenders of the pastors insist she must face the consequences of her allegations in court.

What Next?

Jolaoso’s remand has sparked heated debates online, with some hailing the magistrate’s firmness in upholding court dignity, while others see it as part of the bigger drama surrounding freedom of speech and the influence of powerful religious figures in Nigeria.

The case against Maureen Badejo continues, even as she enjoys her newly granted bail. NaijaChoice News will continue to monitor developments as Jolaoso serves his term and returns to face further proceedings.