The Lagos State Police Command has launched a formal investigation into allegations surrounding Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, amid escalating claims by his ex-wife, Bessem, Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, and other former church members.
The controversy began late last year when Ogala accused the cleric of reneging on a promise of marriage, a situation she said caused her emotional distress. She also alleged that Pastor Okafor had prior knowledge of her brother’s death. Separately, his ex-wife, Bessem, accused him of physical abuse, while denying allegations of adultery levelled against her by the pastor.
As the accusations mounted and gained traction on social media, including additional claims of sexual misconduct by former members of the church, Pastor Okafor announced that he would step aside from ministerial duties for one month.
Reacting to the developments, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
According to Adebisi, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti has been directed to handle the probe, and Pastor Okafor has been invited to report to the department on January 5 at 10:00 a.m.
“The Lagos State Police Command has invited Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries, in connection with allegations of multiple rape, other sexual offences, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the state,” Adebisi said.
She added that the invitation was formally served through the cleric’s legal representative and that he is expected to cooperate fully with investigators.
The police also assured the public that adequate security measures have been put in place for alleged victims.
“The identities of the victims will be kept strictly confidential. Anyone who may have relevant information or who believes they have been affected is encouraged to report to the SCID without fear,” Adebisi said.
She emphasised that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently, and impartially, regardless of the status of those involved.
Pastor Okafor has remained in the public spotlight since late 2025 following allegations by Ogala, who claimed that a relationship with the cleric began in 2017. She alleged that, at his insistence, she ended her previous marriage, only for him to marry another woman, Pearl, in December 2025. Ogala said the experience caused emotional trauma and contributed to the collapse of her marriage.
In response, Bessem accused the pastor of domestic violence and rejected claims of infidelity attributed to her.
Amid the controversy, Pastor Okafor publicly apologised during a church service in December 2025, kneeling before the congregation and asking for forgiveness from Ogala and others he said he had offended. While Ogala accepted the apology, she disputed his claim that her allegations were false.
The saga has continued to generate widespread public debate, legal threats—including a ₦1 billion damages demand by Ogala’s legal team—and renewed scrutiny of past allegations involving the cleric.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public order as investigations continue.
