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The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, failed to honour a police invitation regarding multiple rape and other allegations that could potentially disrupt public order in Lagos.
Okafor had been summoned to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge by 10:00 a.m. on Monday. The invitation followed several complaints about alleged sexual offences and actions considered capable of causing public unrest.
Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi confirmed on Sunday that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations. “The Lagos State Police Command has invited Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, in connection with allegations of multiple rape, other sexual offences, and several other conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the State,” she said.
An officer at SCID, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told PUNCH on Monday that Okafor failed to appear. “After the CP’s directive on Sunday, the DCP immediately instructed the office handling such a case to debrief him, but they waited and did not see him. It is evening already, and he is obviously not coming here today,” the officer said.
Another police source added that Okafor reportedly sent representatives to request additional time. “We received calls from some people who appealed on his behalf, asking the police authorities to give him more time. They gave assurances that he would still show up. That is the information I have for now,” the source said.
Authorities confirmed that adequate security had been provided for alleged victims and encouraged them to report to SCID, Panti, where investigations have begun. “None of the victims or witnesses also showed up at the SCID for interrogation,” the police added, noting that the identities of those involved would remain confidential throughout the investigation.
The allegations first surfaced on social media in mid-December 2025. Nollywood actress Doris Ogala claimed in a series of Instagram videos posted on December 14 that she had been in a long-term sexual relationship with Okafor since 2017. She accused him of breaking promises of marriage, sharing explicit materials, and contributing to the breakdown of her previous marriage.
In response to the public backlash, Okafor reportedly addressed his congregation on New Year’s Day, apologising for past “mistakes” and kneeling at the pulpit to seek forgiveness, though he did not address the specific claims publicly.
The scandal has drawn attention from religious bodies, with reports that the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria is considering disciplinary measures against the pastor. Meanwhile, Okafor is said to have stepped aside from his pastoral duties as investigations and public scrutiny continue.
The case has reignited discussions about accountability and transparency within religious organisations. By summoning Okafor to SCID, the Lagos State Police Command aims to ensure that allegations of serious criminal acts, regardless of the accused’s position, are investigated thoroughly and fairly.
As investigations continue, the authorities have reiterated that victims and witnesses will be protected. “The Lagos State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order, public peace, safety, and ensuring that all allegations of criminal acts against anyone, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed, are discreetly investigated according to law… Justice must prevail in the whole episode,” Adebisi said.
The outcome of the probe is now highly anticipated, with many in the public, media, and religious community closely monitoring the developments.
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