The Lagos State Police Command has provided reasons for its decision to temporarily suspend an active investigation into multiple allegations of r@pe and related offenses against Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry.
Why the Investigation Was Paused
According to the command's spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, the probe was halted primarily because the complainants invited by the police failed to appear to provide statements or evidence. She emphasized that the police could not proceed without their cooperation. "All the complainants we have been calling on have refused to show up. For now, we are not pressing further," Ms. Adebisi stated.
Furthermore, she revealed that a parallel investigation could not be run because the case file had already been transferred to a higher authority. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh had initially directed Pastor Okafor to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti. However, the case was later moved to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Sylvester Alabi, for further action under the supervision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Awaiting Outcome from Zone 2 Command
Ms. Adebisi clarified the command's current stance, noting, "There has not been further investigation from the command." She explained that the discovery of similar petitions already under review at Zone 2 led to the directive to halt the Lagos probe. "When it is done with them in Zone 2, we will reopen ours. We just wait. And when Zone 2 is done, then we will wait for the outcome. And we will know the next line of action," she added.
The cleric was reportedly released on self-recognition to proceed to the Zone 2 Command for the ongoing investigation there.
Roots of the Controversy
The public controversy surrounding Pastor Okafor erupted in December 2025 following accusations from actress Doris Ogala. She alleged he reneged on a promise of marriage, causing her significant emotional distress.
As more allegations surfaced, Pastor Okafor issued a public apology to Ms. Ogala and other women he admitted to wronging. Concurrently, he made adultery allegations against his ex-wife, Bessem, who denied the claims and counter-alleged that she suffered physical abuse during their marriage.
Amid the escalating public dispute, Pastor Chris Okafor announced he would step aside from his ministerial duties for one month.
