The General Overseer of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor, on Tuesday reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos State, after initially failing to honour a police invitation on Monday.
Sources said the cleric presented himself following warnings from influential individuals who cautioned him on the consequences of ignoring a lawful summons.
The investigation centres on a dispute between Okafor and his estranged lover, actress Doris Ogalla, which is currently being handled by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2 Command, Onikan.
According to sources at the Lagos State Police Command, Okafor had earlier assumed that the matter was already being addressed at the zonal level, where he is the complainant and Ogalla the suspect.
“Some highly placed persons saw the reports that he ignored the police invitation and warned him about the implications. That was why he presented himself at the SCID for questioning,” a senior police officer disclosed.
The source confirmed that Okafor made a statement during his visit but was not detained, citing the absence of a formal complainant at the Lagos Command.
“We have made several efforts to reach out to alleged victims and even offered protection and logistics, but no one showed up,” the officer said.
“Since there is already an investigation ongoing at Zone 2, where there is a complainant and a suspect, the Lagos State Police Command will stand down to allow the zonal command conclude its investigation.”
Police authorities, however, maintained that the case remains open and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The Lagos State Police Command had earlier invited Okafor through a letter dated January 3, directing him to appear on or before 10 a.m. on Monday.
Following multiple allegations against the cleric, including abuse of authority and other misconduct, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a comprehensive investigation.
The controversy gained widespread attention after Ogalla publicly accused Okafor of reneging on a marriage promise and released audio and video materials she described as evidence. The allegations sparked intense public reaction on social media.
Other accusers have since emerged, including Okafor’s Cameroonian ex-wife and several women associated with his church, all of whom made various claims against the pastor.
Ogalla has also filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit, alleging intimidation and threats following a brief police detention.
While Okafor initially dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign, he later acknowledged some claims, apologised publicly to his congregation, and announced his decision to temporarily step aside as senior pastor pending the outcome of investigations.