Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, has presented himself for police questioning after initially ignoring an official invitation. The clergyman reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, on Tuesday afternoon.
From Defiance to Compliance
Pastor Chris Okafor had initially failed to honour a police summons issued by the Lagos State Police Command. The invitation, dated January 3, directed him to appear for interrogation by 10 am on Monday. However, he did not show up.
Sources indicate that his compliance on Tuesday came after interventions from highly placed individuals who cautioned him about the serious consequences of disregarding a lawful police invitation. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the preacher believed he could ignore other police units because a related case involving actress Doris Ogalla was already being handled at the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command in Onikan.
The Web of Allegations and Ongoing Investigations
The police invitation is connected to a torrent of serious allegations made against Pastor Okafor by multiple women. These accusers include his estranged lover, actress Doris Ogalla, his Cameroonian ex-wife, his daughter, former partners, and several female church members.
The controversy escalated weeks ago when Doris Ogalla accused Okafor of reneging on a marriage promise after what she described as an inappropriate relationship. She supported her claims with audio-visual materials, sparking public outrage. Ogalla has further alleged that the pastor shared her nude photos, pressured her to leave her previous marriage, and was responsible for her younger brother's death. She also claims he offered her a $10,000 bribe to withdraw her accusations and blame a rival pastor—an offer she says she rejected.
Other accusers include three siblings who allege they were hypnotised and impregnated by the pastor, and his ex-wife who claims he fathered four children with her.
Police Stance and Legal Demands
Following the online surge of allegations, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a probe. At the SCID, Pastor Okafor's statement was taken, but he was not detained. The police explained this was because no formal complainant had yet come forward to the Lagos Command, despite offers of protection and transportation.
The police stated they are "standing down" their investigation to allow the AIG Zone 2 command to conclude their separate probe, which involves a specific suspect and complainant. However, they emphasized that their offer for victims to come forward remains open and the case is not dismissed.
Meanwhile, Doris Ogalla has pursued her own legal path, demanding N1 billion in damages through a legal notice filed by her lawyers, citing alleged threats and intimidation following her earlier arrest and detention.
Pastor Chris Okafor, who initially dismissed the allegations as attacks from enemies, later admitted to some of the claims. He issued a public apology to his congregation and stepped aside as senior pastor after marrying his new wife, Pearl, on December 16. The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed Okafor's appearance at the SCID but declined to give further details.
