The Lagos State Police Command has announced a temporary halt to its investigation into serious allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries. The decision comes as a higher-level probe, ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is now being conducted by the Zone 2 Command under the supervision of authorities in Abuja.
Why the Lagos Police Stepped Aside
According to police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti had initially begun investigating the cleric following a directive from Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh. The case exploded into the national spotlight after an anonymous individual claimed online to have been hired by the pastor to carry out killings.
The Lagos command discovered that the same allegations had already been petitioned at higher police levels. Adebisi clarified that running two parallel investigations would be improper. "It cannot be done at the same time. The matter is already with Zone 2 under the IGP," she stated, confirming the state command's temporary withdrawal from the case.
Victims' Reluctance Complicates the Case
In a significant twist that has stalled the initial Lagos probe, many of the alleged victims and complainants have refused to cooperate with investigators. "All the complainants we have been calling on have refused to show up," Adebisi revealed. This lack of cooperation prompted the Commissioner of Police to order a pause, with the command deciding not to pressure the individuals further for now.
Despite the public furor and the police's earlier move to place alleged victims under protective security, their absence has created a major obstacle. The command has indicated it will only reopen its investigation after the Zone 2 Command concludes its federally-monitored probe.
Okafor's Release and Escalating Allegations
Pastor Chris Okafor voluntarily turned himself in to authorities one day after an arrest warrant was issued earlier this month. However, with the matter elevated to the IGP's office, the Lagos command confirmed that the cleric was released on personal recognition. This was to allow him to continue engaging with the investigators from Zone 2 Command.
The recent anonymous allegations reignited earlier claims made by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala. She had previously publicly accused Okafor of involvement in her brother's death by poisoning. The new claims from the unnamed source, who said they were hiding in Port Harcourt, escalated the situation and triggered the police's initial swift response.
The case continues to draw intense public interest, with the higher-level investigation by Zone 2 Command now being the focal point for determining the truth behind the grave allegations of murder and sexual assault.
