(NIGERIA)
Business Day [Lagos, Nigeria]
January 3, 2026
By Tolulope Popoola
Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, has stepped aside from active pastoral leadership following a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that have sparked widespread debate within Nigeria’s Christian community and renewed scrutiny of clerical accountability.
Okafor’s decision comes amid mounting public outrage and internal pressure from senior Christian leaders after several women, including a Nollywood actress and his former wife, accused him of sexual impropriety, manipulation, and abuse spanning several years.
The cleric had, during a church service last Sunday, publicly apologised to actress Doris Ogala, kneeling on the pulpit and admitting to past “mistakes” while asking for forgiveness. His apology followed days of intense social media backlash triggered by Ogala’s claims that she had been in a secret relationship with the pastor for nearly a decade, during which she alleged he promised marriage but later married another woman.
Okafor married a new bride, identified as Pearl, on December 16, 2025, at a ceremony attended by prominent pastors, despite the actress’s accusations already circulating online.
PFN pressure and internal deliberations
Multiple sources within the Christian leadership disclosed that Okafor’s temporary withdrawal from pastoral duties was not entirely voluntary but followed strong persuasion from influential figures in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
A senior PFN executive confirmed that while the fellowship lacks the legal authority to investigate criminal allegations, it had applied “spiritual pressure” on the pastor to step aside to calm tensions and protect the image of the church.
“There are disciplinary dimensions to this matter that go beyond public apology,” the official said, noting that formal deliberations had been delayed by the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to the source, Okafor is expected to remain off the pulpit for at least one month, during which key decisions may be reached.
The official emphasised that allegations involving rape or sexual abuse fall under criminal law and should be handled by the police, not church bodies.
“PFN is not a law enforcement agency. We cannot arrest or prosecute anyone. Where crimes are alleged, the government must do its part,” the source said, adding that PFN’s behind-the-scenes engagement should not be mistaken for an official investigation. Addressing his congregation during the church’s crossover service into the New Year, Okafor said his decision to step down was based on divine instruction and the need for rest following his recent wedding.
“I will be resting. It is time for personal retreat with God and time for me and my wife to rest,” he said, explaining that the break would last until February and would not amount to a complete disengagement from church activities.
The controversy began on December 14 when Ogala released emotional videos on Instagram accusing the pastor of a sexual relationship that allegedly started in 2017. She further claimed he shared her intimate photos without consent, contributed to the collapse of her previous marriage, and caused her emotional and financial hardship.
She later issued a legal notice demanding N1bn in damages, alleging threats, intimidation, and unlawful detention by the police after the videos went viral. Ogala also shared screenshots and images she said supported her claims, including allegations that the pastor attempted to pay her $10,000 to recant.
As the scandal escalated, other women came forward. Okafor’s former wife, Bessem Okafor, alleged infidelity, physical abuse, and deception, saying she left the marriage 14 years ago due to shame and trauma. Another woman, identified as Ebere and said to be a former choir member, accused the pastor of a long-term affair, multiple abortions, and fathering a child after allegedly backing out of marriage promises.
More recently, a woman claimed Okafor had sexual relations with her and her sister, resulting in pregnancies, and called for DNA testing. A separate audio clip shared by social media activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, featured a woman who identified herself as the pastor’s daughter, alleging inappropriate advances — a claim Okafor has publicly denied.
Despite the barrage of accusations, the Lagos State Police Command said no formal petition has been filed against the pastor. The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the police could not act on social media allegations alone.
“Anyone with a petition should come forward,” she said.
Church members rally behind the leader
At the church’s headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos, reactions among members were mixed. While officials declined to comment, several longtime congregants dismissed the allegations as blackmail and extortion.
A member, Ruben Alufe, described Okafor as a benefactor of the community and insisted the claims were fabricated. Another church member said the timing of the accusations, shortly after the pastor’s wedding, raised doubts about their credibility.
A church pastor, speaking anonymously, framed the controversy as a spiritual trial common to religious leadership, insisting that judgment should be left to God. Reacting to the development, Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged ministers to practise what they preach and warned that accountability begins within the church.
“Judgment starts from the house of God,” he said, adding that genuine repentance could allow room for restoration.
Similarly, Archbishop Osazee William of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops in London cautioned against selective outrage, noting that while misconduct should not be excused, pastors are also human and capable of failure.
He, however, stressed the importance of self-discipline among clergy to avoid situations that could undermine their calling.
As the allegations continue to unfold, attention remains fixed on whether law enforcement agencies will step in and what disciplinary measures, if any, the PFN will eventually impose.