Pastor Chris Okafor Turns Himself In to Police After Ignoring Invitations

Founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor, on Tuesday reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, after initially failing to honour a police invitation.

Okafor had been directed by the Lagos State Police Command, through a letter dated January 3, to submit himself for interrogation on or before 10 a.m. on Monday. He did not comply, prompting public reports that he had shunned the invitation.

However, on Tuesday afternoon, the pastor arrived at the SCID following interventions by influential individuals who reportedly warned him of the consequences of disregarding a lawful police summons.

Sources said Okafor’s initial refusal was linked to an ongoing case at the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command, Onikan, involving a dispute between him and actress Doris Ogalla, described as his estranged lover. Okafor was said to have believed that because a matter was already under investigation at the zonal command—where Ogalla was previously detained—he could ignore invitations from other police formations.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Okafor was questioned at the SCID but was not detained.

“His statement was taken, but there is no formal complainant yet. We reached out to alleged victims and even offered protection and logistics, but none came forward,” the officer said.

The source added that since an investigation is already ongoing at Zone 2, where there is both a complainant and a suspect, the Lagos State Police Command has decided to step back and allow the zonal command to conclude its inquiry.

“Our decision to stand down does not mean the case has been dropped. The offer for any victim to come forward remains open,” the officer added.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that Okafor was at the SCID on Tuesday but declined to provide further details.

Okafor is facing a wave of allegations from several women, including claims of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and other serious accusations. Among those making allegations are Ogalla, other former partners, members of his church, and individuals identified as close associates.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had earlier ordered an investigation as the allegations gained traction online and sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough criminal probe.

The controversy began weeks ago after Ogalla publicly accused Okafor of reneging on a promise to marry her. She later released audio and video materials in support of her claims, further intensifying public reaction.

Although Okafor initially dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated, he later admitted to some misconduct, issued a public apology to his congregation, and announced that he was stepping aside as senior pastor of the church. He had married his new wife, Pearl, on December 16.

Other accusers include a Cameroonian woman described as his former wife, who claimed they had four children together, and female members of his congregation, including three siblings who alleged manipulation and abuse.

Ogalla has also accused Okafor of sharing her private images without consent, pressuring her to leave her previous marriage, and being linked to the death of her younger brother. She further alleged that the pastor offered her $10,000 to withdraw her claims and accuse another cleric of orchestrating the scandal, an offer she said she rejected.

Through her lawyers, Ogalla has since demanded N1 billion in damages, alleging threats and intimidation following her arrest and detention by the police.