- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has summoned popular Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Chris Okafor, over allegations bordering on multiple rape, other sexual offences.
Okafor, the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, had been involved series of allegations since his infidelity scandal with Nollywood actress, Doris Ogalla.
The actress had in the wake of the clergyman’s marriage last month accused him of betrayal and called him out over several allegations which largely involved sexual offences.
Subsequent petition to the Lagos Police Command led to the summon of the clergyman.
As contained in a statement on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, Okafor was invited over the alleged sexual offences and several other conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the State.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, reportedly directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC SCID) to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor.
“The Pastor has been duly served with an invitation letter through his legal representative and is expected to cooperate fully with the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, in the ongoing investigation into the allegations of capital offences and other serious crimes against him.
“CP Olohundare Jimoh has directed immediate full security coverage and protection for his victims and hereby encourages them to feel free to come out and report at the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti where the investigation into the alleged criminal atrocities against the Pastor has commenced.” The statement partly read.
While assuring that the identity of the victims will be absolutely kept confidential and will be protected, the Lagos Police Command called for other victims of the clergyman’s sexual to report their complaints.
It also called on those with credible information and evidences relevant to the investigation to present them.
“Any person(s) or individuals who may have fallen victim are further implored to come forward to report their complaints in the hands of the alleged Pastor.
“Any person or persons who have credible information or evidence relevant to the investigation are also encouraged to come forward without fear or apprehension to assist the Police in the investigation of the cases against him.
“Such persons may wish to get across to the SCID through the Police Public Relations Department at the Lagos State Police Command or can go directly to the SCID.” The statement read further.
The Command further assured.members of the public that the identities of all victims and witnesses will be adequately protected, and that the investigation will be conducted in a professional, transparent, and unbiased manner, in line with the laws of the land.