Why We Suspended Sexual Assault Investigation Involving Pastor Chris Okafor — Lagos Police

The Lagos State Police Command has explained its decision to temporarily suspend an investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault involving Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry.

The inquiry was initially ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who directed Mr. Okafor to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti. Shortly after, the police announced that the case had been transferred to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 2, Sylvester Alabi, for further investigation.

Speaking on the matter, the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the Lagos Command halted its probe because complainants invited for questioning failed to appear. She added that the command could not conduct a parallel investigation while the case was already being handled by the Zone 2 Command under the supervision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“There has not been further investigation from the command,” Ms. Adebisi said. “When he was invited, it was discovered that similar petitions against him were already under investigation. Based on that, the Commissioner of Police directed us to halt our own inquiry. Once Zone 2 concludes its investigation, we will review the outcome and determine the next line of action.”

She further stated that repeated efforts to reach the complainants were unsuccessful. “All the complainants we contacted have refused to show up. For now, we are not pressing the matter further. We are waiting for Zone 2 to conclude its investigation,” she said.

According to the police, Mr. Okafor was released on self-recognition to report to Zone 2 for continued investigation.

The controversy surrounding the cleric became public in December 2025 after actress Doris Ogala accused him of reneging on a promise of marriage, an allegation she said caused her emotional distress. As the claims gained attention, Mr. Okafor issued a public apology to Ms. Ogala and other women he said he had wronged. He also accused his ex-wife, Bessem, of adultery, an allegation she denied while accusing him of physical abuse during their marriage.