By Peace Erewunmi

Former pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Femi Jimoh, has reportedly died years after spending about nine years in detention over an alleged plot to rob the church.

News of his death emerged on Thursday, August 20, 2026, reigniting public attention on the controversial circumstances surrounding his arrest, prolonged detention and subsequent legal battle with the church.

Jimoh was arrested in January 2008 alongside Henry Aiyewero and Caleb Oloruntele and prosecuted over allegations of conspiracy to rob MFM. He remained in custody for about eight years before the Lagos State High Court acquitted and discharged him and the other defendants. The National Industrial Court later noted the prolonged incarceration and the fact that Jimoh had been acquitted and discharged.

Following his release, Jimoh publicly alleged that he had been framed and that MFM and individuals connected to the church were responsible for his ordeal. He also claimed that he suffered physical injuries during the period surrounding his arrest and detention.

MFM, however, strongly rejected the allegations. The church said Jimoh was not framed or jailed by the ministry, maintaining that he was prosecuted by the Nigerian Police over an alleged crime.

The legal dispute also extended to Jimoh’s employment with MFM. In a judgment involving Jimoh and the Registered Trustees of MFM, the National Industrial Court found that he had been an employee of the ministry and held that his employment had not been properly terminated during his incarceration. The court also noted that he had been acquitted and discharged of the criminal allegations.

The court observed that Jimoh had been incarcerated for approximately eight years and that the circumstances surrounding the termination of his employment had not been properly communicated to him.

His reported death has now revived questions about the long-term impact of his detention and the circumstances that led to his prosecution.

Reports about the cause of death remain limited. A report citing UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo said Jimoh had battled serious health problems following his years in detention, but this has not been independently established as the cause of his death.

Jimoh’s death has therefore reopened a contentious chapter involving allegations of wrongful prosecution, prolonged detention and accountability within religious organisations.

The allegations made against MFM and its leadership remain disputed, with the church maintaining that it did not frame Jimoh or cause his imprisonment.