The legal team representing Lagos-based cleric Chris Okafor has issued a stern warning to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM), and other online platforms spreading allegations against the cleric. The team has urged them to submit any evidence to the Nigerian Police, cautioning that failure to do so could trigger criminal prosecution.

The statement was delivered on Wednesday in Lagos by Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP and counsel to Pastor Okafor. Ajayi described the circulating claims as false, malicious, and part of what he called a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail, and public incitement against his client.

“These allegations, which have resurfaced recently, are not grounded in fact. Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What has occurred is not responsible journalism or advocacy; it is an orchestrated attempt to try him in the court of public opinion,” Ajayi said.

Background of the Dispute

According to the lawyer, the controversy traces back to late 2024 following a business engagement involving Ogala and a third party. Pastor Okafor reportedly disengaged from the transaction after concluding that the intended outcome could not be achieved. Soon after, Ogala claimed that the cleric owed her ₦45 million—a demand Ajayi says is unfounded.

Ajayi explained that the nature of the allegations has evolved over time. Initial claims focused on monetary disputes, which later escalated to accusations of romantic involvement, and eventually to serious allegations of criminal conduct.

“Each new claim emerged after the previous one failed to gain traction. It was a systematic approach to see what would resonate with the public,” Ajayi added.

The lawyer also noted that Ogala had previously faced legal consequences for similar online behavior, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and issuing threats. Those cases were resolved through an out-of-court settlement in which Ogala received an agreed sum and committed not to contact or publicly mention Pastor Okafor.

“At no point during those proceedings did she allege rape, sexual assault, or an affair. These claims only appeared later, allegedly following a breach of the settlement,” Ajayi said.

Renewed Allegations and Police Involvement

Ajayi said that fresh complaints were filed with the Nigeria Police following a resurgence of online attacks, which led to Ogala’s arrest and interrogation shortly before Christmas 2025. During questioning, she reportedly denied some of the serious allegations attributed to her online and requested legal representation. She was subsequently granted administrative bail on medical grounds and instructed not to return to social media with unsubstantiated claims.

Despite these warnings, Ajayi alleged, new allegations have appeared online, including claims of sexual offences and the identification of supposed victims. He accused VDM and other social media platforms of improperly soliciting accusations from the public and presenting them as verified facts.

“You cannot act as accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge at the same time. Allegations of rape or murder must be reported to law enforcement,” Ajayi said.

He further revealed that formal criminal complaints have been lodged against individuals spreading the allegations, and that multiple social media accounts are under monitoring.

The lawyer emphasized that Pastor Okafor has fully cooperated with police investigations, attending all invitations and submitting evidence refuting claims of rape, child abuse, or murder. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti to handle the matter, and the cleric was released after responding to inquiries.

“There was never any attempt to evade police invitations,” Ajayi affirmed.

Legal Warning and Public Advice

Ajayi concluded by challenging Ogala, VDM, and other online actors to present evidence to law enforcement. He warned that if they fail to do so, Pastor Okafor’s legal team will pursue all available remedies in court.

He also appealed to the public to allow the Nigeria Police to complete their investigations without interference, cautioning against “mob justice” driven by social media narratives.

“This is a society governed by law. Social media outrage cannot replace investigation, evidence, and trial,” Ajayi said.

The renewed allegations against Pastor Okafor highlight the growing tension between social media influence and the rule of law in Nigeria. Experts note that public opinion on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok can escalate reputational damage rapidly, even before formal investigations conclude. Legal practitioners argue that unchecked online campaigns can lead to misinformation, while citizens risk forming opinions based on unverified claims.

Insight: Observers suggest this case may set a precedent for how courts and law enforcement handle allegations amplified by influencers and online communities, particularly when settlements and prior legal agreements exist.