The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Olohundare
Jimoh, has confirmed that allegations of rape and murder against Pastor Chris
Okafor, founder of the Mountain Liberation and Miracle Ministry, will be
investigated.
“We are going to ensure that all the cases reported
against him, even if they are on social media, are investigated,” the
commissioner said.
He revealed that he had directed the Deputy
Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command’s Crime Investigation
Department (CID), Panti, to summon the pastor, but Okafor initially failed to
honor the invitation.
“When the pastor refused to turn up on Sunday, his
lawyer contacted the CID and said he would appear on Monday. We waited
throughout Monday, and when he did not show, I instructed, ‘Go and get him,
because for these offenses, no warrant of arrest is required,’” Jimoh
explained.
The commissioner added that a petition had been filed
with the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2 concerning the cleric.
Pastor Okafor later appeared at the CID on Tuesday,
where statements were taken. “Rape is a capital offense, which may not
necessarily mean the death penalty, but can also result in life imprisonment
depending on judicial discretion and the degree of involvement,” Jimoh said.
The allegations involve a purported romantic
relationship between Pastor Okafor and actress Doris Ogala, as well as a
paternity dispute concerning a lady identified as Chidera Okafor.
At a recent press briefing, Pastor Okafor’s lawyers
dismissed the claims, describing them as “damaging, misleading, and
unacceptable.”
Amid the controversy, the cleric apologised during a
church service, asking for forgiveness from those he may have hurt. He also
announced that he would step away from the pulpit for one month to spend time
with his wife.
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