The legal team of Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, has challenged Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other bloggers to submit evidence backing their allegations against him to the Nigeria Police, warning that failure to do so could result in criminal prosecution.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, counsel to the cleric, Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP, described the allegations circulating on social media as false, malicious, and defamatory, alleging that they form part of a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail, and public incitement.
Ajayi said the claims, which resurfaced in December 2025, originated from Ogala and were amplified across digital platforms without giving his client an opportunity to respond.
“Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What has occurred is not advocacy or responsible journalism, but an attempt to conduct a trial in the court of public opinion,” Ajayi said.
Tracing the dispute, the lawyer said the matter began in late 2024 following a business engagement involving Ogala and a third party, from which Pastor Okafor later withdrew after determining that the venture would not yield the expected outcome.
He said Ogala subsequently alleged that the cleric owed her ₦45 million, a claim he described as baseless.
According to Ajayi, the accusations later escalated from monetary claims to allegations of a romantic relationship and, eventually, to claims bordering on criminal conduct.
“Each time one allegation failed to gain traction, another followed. It was a systematic attempt to see what would stick,” he said.
Ajayi disclosed that Ogala had previously been arrested and charged for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and threats over similar online conduct, a case that was later resolved through an out-of-court settlement adopted by the court.
Under the terms of the settlement, he said Ogala received an agreed sum and undertook not to mention or contact Pastor Okafor publicly.
“At no point during those proceedings did she allege rape, sexual assault, or an affair. Those claims only surfaced after the settlement was allegedly breached,” Ajayi stated.
He said renewed online allegations led to fresh petitions to the police and Ogala’s arrest and interrogation shortly before Christmas 2025.
According to him, Ogala denied some of the more serious allegations during police questioning and requested legal representation. She was later granted administrative bail on medical grounds and warned against returning to social media with unsubstantiated claims.
Ajayi alleged that despite the warning, new allegations resurfaced online, including claims of sexual offences and the presentation of individuals as victims.
He accused VDM and other bloggers of abusing their platforms by soliciting allegations from the public and presenting them as established facts.
“You cannot be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge at the same time. Allegations of rape or murder must be reported to law enforcement,” he said.
Ajayi disclosed that formal criminal complaints had been filed against individuals spreading the allegations and that multiple social media accounts were currently under monitoring.
He stressed that Pastor Okafor had fully cooperated with police investigations, honoured all invitations, and provided evidence countering claims of rape, child abuse, or murder.
He added that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to handle the matter, noting that the cleric was released after responding to inquiries.
“There was never any attempt to evade police invitation,” Ajayi said.
He challenged Ogala, VDM, and others to submit their claims and evidence to the police.
“If they believe their allegations, let them present evidence to law enforcement. Otherwise, we will pursue all legal remedies available,” he warned.
Ajayi urged the public to allow the police to conclude their investigations and cautioned against mob justice driven by social media narratives.
“This is a society governed by law. Social media outrage cannot replace investigation, evidence, and trial,” he said.