•Pastor Chris Okafor and Police logo
The Lagos State Police Command has stepped in amid growing controversy surrounding Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, following allegations involving his ex-wife, Bessem, actress Doris Ogala, and other former church members.
Late last year, Ogala accused Pastor Okafor of reneging on promises of marriage, causing her emotional distress.
She also alleged that the cleric had knowledge of her brother’s death, reports Channels TV.
Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Bessem, accused the pastor of subjecting her to physical abuse, while firmly denying claims of adultery levelled against her by Okafor.
The mounting accusations reportedly led the cleric to step aside from his ministerial duties for one month. Since then, further sexual allegations have circulated widely on social media.
Responding to the controversy, Lagos State Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full investigation.
According to Adebisi, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti has been directed to probe the allegations.
She stated that Pastor Okafor has been asked to report to the SCID 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 several other conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the State,” Adebisi said.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC SCID) to carry out a thorough investigation into the several criminal allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor,” she added.
Adebisi confirmed that Pastor Okafor has been served with an invitation letter through his legal representative and is expected to fully cooperate as investigations continue.
The spokesperson added that Jimoh has ordered comprehensive security measures for the alleged victims.
“The identity of the victims will be absolutely kept confidential and protected. Any person(s) who may have fallen victim are encouraged to report their complaints to the SCID. Likewise, anyone with credible information relevant to the investigation is urged to come forward without fear,” she said.
She emphasised that the investigation would be carried out professionally, transparently, and impartially, in strict accordance with the law.
“The Lagos State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order, public peace, and safety, ensuring that all allegations of criminal acts are discreetly investigated regardless of the status of the individuals involved. Justice must prevail,” Adebisi said.
Controversy
Pastor Okafor has been making headlines since late 2025 over scrutiny following allegations from his ex-wife, Bessem, and Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.
Ogala accused Pastor Okafor of reneging on a marriage promise after a relationship that allegedly began in 2017.
She claimed that, at his urging, she ended her previous marriage, only for him to wed another woman, Pearl, in December 2025. The actress also alleged that the relationship caused emotional distress and contributed to the breakdown of her former marriage.
In response, Ms Bessem accused Pastor Okafor of physical abuse, while denying his claims of adultery against her.
Amid the controversy, the cleric announced he would step aside from ministerial duties for one month, citing a need for rest, spiritual renewal, and focus on his new marriage.
During a church service in late December 2025, Pastor Okafor publicly knelt before his congregation and apologised to Ms Ogala and others he said he had offended.
Ogala responded by accepting the apology but challenged his assertion that all her claims were fabricated.
The saga has drawn widespread public attention, legal threats, including a demand for N1 billion in damages from Ogala’s legal team, and ongoing debate over allegations extending beyond the relationship, including questions raised by Ogala regarding the death of her younger brother.
Pastor Okafor has previously faced controversies involving domestic disputes and paternity claims, making this the latest in a series of high-profile personal controversies.
