Lawyers to Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, have broken their silence on the rape allegations trending on social media, urging those behind the claims to take their evidence to the Nigerian police rather than prosecute the matter online.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos, lead counsel to the cleric, Barrister Ife Ajayi, described the accusations circulating on social media as false, damaging, and unsupported by facts, insisting that they have caused serious harm to his client’s reputation and family life.
Ajayi specifically called on Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and other bloggers spreading the allegations to submit any evidence in their possession to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.
He stressed that criminal allegations, particularly those as serious as rape, must be handled by the police and the courts, not debated or sensationalised on social media platforms.
According to Ajayi, the dispute between Pastor Okafor and Ogala originated from a business arrangement in late 2024 that failed to materialise as expected. He said the disagreement later spilled onto social media, where it gradually escalated into a series of accusations that have continued to evolve.
The lawyer maintained that Pastor Okafor has consistently denied all allegations of criminal conduct, including claims of sexual assault, describing them as baseless and unsubstantiated. He noted that earlier complaints related to online exchanges between the parties had been reported to the authorities and resolved without any allegation of rape or sexual misconduct being made at the time.
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Ajayi disclosed that following renewed online posts, additional petitions were submitted to the Nigerian police, prompting fresh investigations. He confirmed that Doris Ogala was invited by the police for questioning and later released on bail, adding that the matter remains under investigation.
He further stated that Pastor Okafor has honoured all police invitations, cooperated fully with investigators, and provided all information requested, dismissing online claims that the cleric had evaded arrest or ignored law enforcement.
Reacting to recent reports alleging rape by unnamed individuals, Ajayi described such publications as reckless and irresponsible, arguing that they rely on anonymous claims rather than formal complaints filed with the police.
He said the continued circulation of unverified allegations has exposed Pastor Okafor and his family to harassment, threats, and public ridicule.
In a final challenge, Ajayi urged anyone with genuine claims against his client to come forward, submit formal petitions, present witnesses, and allow the authorities to determine the truth in accordance with the law.
