Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has formally invited Pastor Chris Okafor, the Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti over a series of serious allegations, including multiple counts of rape, other sexual offences, and actions described by authorities as likely to cause a breach of public peace and order. The invitation letter, served through the pastor’s legal representative, requires him to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police at SCID by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026. The development marks a significant escalation in a controversy that has dominated Nigerian news and social media in recent weeks.
According to the Lagos State Police, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has directed that a thorough investigation be carried out into the various criminal allegations levelled against Pastor Okafor. The police statement emphasises that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently, and without bias, in accordance with Nigerian law. It further assures that no individual is above the law, and that the command is committed to upholding law and order in the state.
The police have also put in place full security coverage and protection for alleged victims, stressing that their identities will be confidentially safeguarded throughout the investigatory process. Members of the public who believe they may have relevant information or evidence are encouraged to come forward and assist the investigation, either through the Police Public Relations Department or directly at SCID Panti.
This official action by the Lagos State Police comes amid widespread public interest in the case and follows several reports in national media detailing the allegations. While some outlets present the police invitation as part of a broader probe into allegations of sexual misconduct and behaviour that could threaten public order, there have been contrasting reports suggesting differing interpretations within the police command about the nature and scope of the allegations. Nonetheless, the prevailing narrative from multiple sources affirms that Pastor Okafor has been invited to answer to these serious charges.
The controversy surrounding Pastor Okafor began to intensify in mid-December 2025 after a series of troubling claims surfaced on social media. Among them were allegations made by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who publicly accused the cleric of engaging in an extended sexual relationship with her over several years. In a series of emotional posts, Ogala alleged that the relationship, which she said began in 2017, involved broken promises of marriage and ultimately contributed to personal distress. She also accused the pastor of distributing private photos and videos without her consent and has sought substantial damages through her legal representatives.
Other women have since made related accusations, including claims of long-term affairs and personal harm linked to the pastor’s conduct. Some of these accounts include assertions of emotional abuse, manipulation, and unfulfilled commitments. In one particularly distressing claim that circulated online, an individual identifying herself as the pastor’s daughter alleged inappropriate conduct, though those accusations have been strongly denied by Okafor.
As the allegations gained traction, there were significant repercussions within religious and public spheres. Pastor Okafor reportedly stepped down from his ministerial duties early in January 2026. Church insiders and some media reports framed this decision as a temporary period of retreat, though it also reflected mounting pressure from both within and outside Christian leadership circles. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), a major umbrella body for Pentecostal churches in the country, is said to be contemplating possible sanctions against him, even as it maintains that criminal matters fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, not religious associations.
In a sermon at his church, Okafor is reported to have apologised for “mistakes” made in the past, asking for forgiveness without directly addressing each specific allegation. His public statement on the matter emphasised personal reflection and a desire for spiritual renewal, though it did not quell critical voices demanding accountability.
The legal questions surrounding this matter are multifaceted. Under Nigerian criminal law, allegations of rape and sexual assault are subject to rigorous prosecution when supported by credible evidence and formal complaints. For the police to progress with a full investigation and potential prosecution, law enforcement customarily requires formal petitions or testimony from complainants. According to some reports, prior to the invitation, no formal petitions had been filed with the police by alleged victims, complicating procedural pathways for immediate arrest or charges.
Nonetheless, the decision by the Lagos State Police to invite Pastor Okafor for questioning suggests a determination to move beyond social media speculation and to examine the substance of the allegations within the framework of legal due process. Investigators are expected to interview alleged victims, review any evidence available, and determine the next steps based on established legal standards.
Public reaction to the developments has been intense, with opinions sharply divided. Supporters of Pastor Okafor have described the allegations as unfounded or exaggerated, pointing to his long tenure as a religious leader and community figure. Some parishioners and defenders frame the situation as an example of “spiritual warfare” or attempts to tarnish his reputation. Critics and advocacy groups, meanwhile, view the police action as overdue accountability for alleged misconduct by a high-profile religious figure, and they are urging transparency and justice for all parties involved.
The police invitation and associated investigation also highlight broader issues concerning the intersection of social media, public opinion, and criminal justice in Nigeria. Viral allegations, while not in themselves legally binding evidence, can create substantial pressure on authorities to act and can influence the pace at which sensitive inquiries unfold. Law enforcement agencies face the complex task of balancing respect for legal procedures with public demand for prompt and decisive action.
As Pastor Okafor prepares to report to the Lagos State SCID for questioning, the coming days are expected to intensify scrutiny from media, civil society, and legal observers. The outcome of the police investigation will likely have significant implications for all parties involved, particularly in terms of potential criminal charges, reputational impact, and the broader discourse on accountability within religious institutions.
Regardless of public sentiment, law enforcement officials reiterate that the investigation will proceed under the rule of law, with protections for victims and respect for the rights of the accused. The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be pursued impartially, with careful adherence to legal principles and procedures throughout the investigative process.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments