The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that allegations of rape levelled against popular cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, have been transferred from the state command to the Force Headquarters through the Zone 2 Police Command for further investigation.

Lagos State Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh disclosed this on Wednesday in an interview with journalists, as monitored by SaharaReporters.

The suspect, Chris Okafor is the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries.

The police said the cleric was formally served with an invitation letter and was expected to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department) by 10am on Monday.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s invitation and subsequent actions by the police, the Commissioner said, “When he was invited, he got to us through his lawyer that he would be appearing on Monday. So on Monday, we waited for him.”

He, however, added that Pastor Okafor failed to honour the invitation, prompting immediate police action.

“We didn’t see him and I directed that he should be arrested. Subsequently, he showed up yesterday (Tuesday). Yes, he showed up yesterday,” the police chief stated.

According to him, the Lagos Command later discovered that the same allegations were already being handled at a higher level within the Nigeria Police Force.

“We later learned that the same matter has been opened at the Zone 2 headquarters with the assistance of the General Police in charge of Zone 2, which I needed to verify and I verified the same and he told me the matter is being investigated under his command for about three weeks now,” he said.

The Commissioner explained that the decision to step aside was based on the police hierarchy.

“So, the AIG occupies a higher office than mine as a commander and is my immediate supervisor since he’s into the matter. So, we handed the matter back to the Zone 2,” he said.

He further noted that testimonies circulating on social media would not be ignored by law enforcement, stressing the evolving nature of policing.

“The social media has become a veritable space for people to lodge in their complaint,” the Commissioner said, adding, “We no longer wait for people to come and see the matter before we act in public interest because if we don’t, the conduct can lead to a breakdown of law and order.”

The police said investigations into the allegations were ongoing under the Zone 2 Command.

Background

In December 2025, Okafor publicly apologized to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala after days of controversy surrounding a marriage dispute that led to her arrest and subsequent release by the police.

Okafor issued the apology during a church service, where he acknowledged wrongdoing while disputing several allegations made against him.

“Listen, we’re not joining issues. Mistakes have been made in the past. And I tender apology to everybody,” the cleric said.

While apologising, Okafor maintained that the accusations levelled against him were false.

“But everything that was said is not true. Everything, take note, everything that was said was never true. There are so many lies in most of the things that were said,” he stated.

Despite this, the pastor directly addressed Ogala and others he said he had offended.

“But be it. I say I am sorry to everyone I have offended. To Doris Ogala, I also say sorry,” Okafor said.

He added that he was prepared to make amends.

“And I apologize to everyone that I have offended. And once again, I repeat this. I’m ready to make restitution to anyone,” he said.

The cleric went further to describe his apology as both personal and public.

“And anybody, any lady, anywhere, or man I have offended, I am sorry. Forgive me. I am not perfect. I’ve never been perfect,” he said, adding, “I’m kneeling down before everyone. And before the church.”

The apology comes against the backdrop of Ogala’s dramatic arrest and release, which SaharaReporters previously reported.

Also, a former church member named Ama has accused Pastor Chris Okafor of raping her when she was 15 years old, impregnating her, and later sexually molesting the daughter born from that alleged assault. Both Ama and her daughter spoke to SaharaReporters about their experiences.

– Sahara Reporters

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