“I Will Prove My Innocence in Court” — Pastor Chris Okafor Speaks on Allegations

Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Grace Nation Global, also known as Liberation City, has broken his silence on a series of personal and legal controversies, promising to clear his name in court. Speaking with a select group of church editors at his Ojodu, Lagos headquarters, Pastor Okafor addressed allegations ranging from family disputes to claims of misconduct. He said the accusations emerged after he decided to remarry following many years as a single man.

“All the allegations started coming up when I had finally decided to marry a new wife after staying without a woman for many years,” he said. “I will certainly prove my innocence in court in all cases.”

Born in Benin City, Edo State, Pastor Okafor described growing up in a devout Christian household, where a prophecy given to his mother before his birth predicted he would become a prophet. “I started growing up, where we were all taught to fast and pray. As early as 5am, you hear my father ring the bell… I was six years old when Archbishop Benson Idahosa came to a crusade near our house. I ran out to give my life to God. That was my first encounter with Jesus,” he recalled. After graduating from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, he moved to Lagos to pursue his calling, initially living in a school security post while conducting street evangelism. Despite early resistance from landlords, police, and the community, the ministry continued to grow.

Pastor Okafor shared harrowing details of a kidnapping incident over a decade ago, during which he was held for 58 days, blindfolded and chained, while the kidnappers attempted multiple attacks on law enforcement. “I was sitting at the back of the car when gunmen opened fire. The driver lost control, and the vehicle tumbled into a ditch… God greatly helped preserve me,” he said. He also addressed his first marriage, which ended in divorce in 2014. “I divorced my first wife because I caught her with a man in my house… If the allegation about my daughter was true, it would have been in the divorce proceedings.” He emphasized that he has never harmed his children, calling the molestation claims “senseless.”

Pastor Okafor criticized publicized police invitations related to online allegations. “I am a known person. I come to this church every day. I have never committed a crime since I was born… Is it not shameful that the police invited me and there were over 50 journalists waiting?” he asked. He described encounters with accusers who allegedly attempted to make financial demands under the pretense of school fees and upkeep. “By the time we put this together, the value was almost N70 to N80 million. Why did somebody that did all these not go to police to report the case as a social crusader to bring me to justice? But you are sending this thing for me to pay money. That’s why we are taking them to court,” he said.

Pastor Okafor reiterated that his remarriage has been a source of personal support and stability. “I am enjoying my marriage because I married a good wife. She was encouraging me and stood by me,” he said. He also highlighted the spiritual dimension of the opposition he faces: “When the mango is ripe, it will receive stones… There are battles that are battles of necessity that must come, not because you did right or you did wrong.” He concluded by reaffirming his intention to pursue justice legally. “People will come to know the truth. The challenges I face are not because of wrongdoing on my part but are part of the resistance that comes with ministry work,” Pastor Okafor said.