The Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, has reportedly failed to honour a police invitation over allegations of multiple rape and other offences said to be capable of threatening public peace.
The pastor was directed to appear at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID by 10:00 a.m. on Monday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against the cleric.
Some individuals reportedly called on behalf of Pastor Chris Okafor, requesting the police grant him more time to appear. “They assured us that he would eventually report,” a police source said.
Another police source familiar with the situation revealed that Okafor reportedly sent emissaries to the department requesting more time.
The Lagos State Police had earlier stated that sufficient security had been arranged for the alleged victims and urged them to report to the SCID, Panti, where investigations are already underway.
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However, sources revealed that no one came forward to identify themselves as victims or witnesses to the allegations.
“None of the victims or witnesses showed up at the SCID for questioning,” the police confirmed.
Attempts to reach Adebisi for comment on Monday were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered.
According to the police, the invitation followed multiple petitions involving alleged sexual offences and other actions considered likely to disrupt public order.
An officer at SCID, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the press, told our correspondent on Monday that Pastor Chris Okafor failed to appear.
The authorities assured that the identities of victims and witnesses would remain confidential and protected throughout the investigation.
“Following the CP’s directive on Sunday, the DCP instructed the relevant office to debrief him, but they waited and he never showed up. It’s already evening, and it’s clear he will not be coming today,” the officer said.