The Lagos State Police Command has formally summoned Pastor Chris Okafor, the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, to appear before investigators at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, as authorities intensify inquiries into allegations of multiple sexual assaults and other offences considered capable of disturbing public order.

According to the police, Okafor was served with an official invitation letter through his legal representative and is expected to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the SCID by 10 am on Monday. The development marks a significant escalation in a case that has drawn widespread public attention and raised broader questions about accountability, influence, and trust within religious institutions.

Police confirm formal investigation

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a comprehensive and impartial investigation following multiple complaints against the cleric.

According to the statement, the invitation was based on allegations of repeated sexual offences and other conduct deemed likely to cause a breach of public peace and a breakdown of law and order in the state. The police stressed that the investigation would cover all complaints received and would be conducted strictly in line with the law.

Adebisi said Jimoh directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID to take full responsibility for the case, noting that the gravity of the allegations required careful handling and professional diligence.

The police confirmed that investigations have already commenced at the SCID facility in Panti.

Security and confidentiality for alleged victims

As part of the ongoing process, the Lagos State Police Command said it has put security measures in place to protect individuals who have come forward with allegations. According to the police, alleged victims have been assured of confidentiality, with their identities and personal details to be fully protected throughout the investigation.

The command also appealed to members of the public who may possess credible information, evidence, or firsthand knowledge relevant to the case to cooperate with investigators. Such information, the police said, can be provided directly to the SCID or through the Police Public Relations Department.

The statement emphasised that no individual would be shielded from investigation based on social standing, religious influence, or public profile. According to the police, justice would take precedence over sentiment, and the law would be applied equally to all parties involved.

Background to the allegations

The police invitation follows weeks of intense public scrutiny after a series of allegations against Okafor began circulating online in mid December 2025. The claims, initially shared on social media platforms, quickly gained traction and triggered widespread outrage, debates, and calls for official intervention.

Among the most widely publicised accusations were claims linking the pastor to serious criminal conduct, including sexual offences and allegations of involvement in other violent crimes. While the police have not confirmed all aspects of the online claims, they acknowledged that the volume and seriousness of the complaints necessitated a formal investigation.

According to reports, the Commissioner of Police ordered the SCID to examine the allegations after assessing their potential implications for public safety and order.

Role of social media and public reaction

One of the central figures in the unfolding controversy is Nollywood actress Doris Ogala. On December 14, 2025, Ogala posted a series of videos on Instagram alleging that she had been involved in a long term sexual relationship with Okafor, which she said began in 2017 and lasted for nine years.

In her posts, Ogala accused the pastor of making repeated promises of marriage, sharing explicit content without her consent, and contributing to the collapse of her previous marriage. Her allegations quickly went viral, intensifying public pressure on both the police and religious authorities to act.

Meanwhile, legal analysts note that while social media disclosures often accelerate public awareness, they also complicate investigations by mixing verifiable claims with untested assertions. According to Lagos based legal practitioner Tunde Aremu, allegations circulating online must still be assessed against evidence and due process.

He said the police invitation indicates that investigators believe there is sufficient basis to formally question the cleric, but it does not amount to a finding of guilt.

Okafor’s public response

As the controversy grew, Okafor addressed his congregation during a New Year service. According to multiple eyewitness accounts and video recordings shared online, the pastor knelt before the pulpit and apologised for what he described as past mistakes.

However, he did not address specific allegations or provide detailed explanations regarding the claims circulating against him. His remarks, while welcomed by some followers, were criticised by others as vague and insufficient given the seriousness of the accusations.

Since then, Okafor has reportedly stepped aside from active pastoral duties, a move interpreted by observers as an attempt to reduce tension and allow investigations to proceed without interference.

Reaction within the religious community

The allegations have also sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s Pentecostal community. According to reports, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria considered possible disciplinary measures against Okafor as the scandal unfolded.

Religious scholars say the case highlights longstanding concerns about oversight and accountability within independent church structures. According to Reverend Samuel Adebola, a church governance analyst, high profile cases such as this one often expose gaps in internal disciplinary mechanisms.

He noted that the outcome of the police investigation could influence how religious bodies handle allegations against senior clergy in the future.

Why the case matters now

Beyond the immediate legal questions, the case has broader social implications. Sexual assault allegations involving influential figures continue to test public confidence in institutions that wield moral and social authority. The police response, analysts say, will be closely watched as a measure of the state’s willingness to pursue sensitive cases without fear or favour.

Meanwhile, the investigation could also set precedents for how law enforcement engages with allegations that originate on social media but carry serious criminal implications.

For the Lagos State Police Command, maintaining public trust appears central to its messaging. By stressing professionalism, confidentiality, and equality before the law, the command is seeking to reassure the public that the investigation will not be derailed by pressure or influence.

Attention will now turn to Okafor’s appearance at the SCID and the scope of questioning that follows. Investigators are expected to review complaints, interview witnesses, and assess any physical or digital evidence submitted.

Legal experts caution that the process may take time, particularly given the number and complexity of the allegations. However, they add that the police decision to formally summon the cleric suggests that the case has moved beyond preliminary assessment into active investigation.

As developments continue, authorities say they will provide updates in line with legal and ethical obligations, while urging the public to avoid speculation that could compromise the process.