The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor, did not appear before the Lagos State Police on Monday following an invitation linked to allegations of sexual misconduct and other offences that may affect public peace.
The police had asked Pastor Okafor to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday. He was expected to meet with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID to respond to petitions written against him.
As of Monday evening, police officers confirmed that the cleric did not honour the invitation.
An officer at the SCID, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said Pastor Okafor failed to show up throughout the day.
“Based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner asked the team handling the case to debrief him today. But he did not come. By evening, it was clear that he would not be coming,” the officer said.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, had earlier said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a full investigation into the complaints made against Pastor Okafor.
According to the police, the allegations include claims of sexual misconduct and actions that could lead to a breakdown of public order if not properly handled.
Although the police did not give full details of the allegations, they said the matter was serious enough to require a careful and transparent investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the allegations be investigated thoroughly and professionally,” Adebisi said during a media briefing on Sunday.
The police stressed that the invitation extended to Pastor Okafor was part of standard procedure and not a declaration of guilt.
Another source familiar with the case said representatives of Pastor Okafor contacted the police to ask for more time.
According to the source, some of the pastor’s aides called officers handling the matter to explain that he would not be able to come on Monday and requested an extension.
“We received calls from his aides asking for additional time. They assured the police that he would report at a later date,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not announced a new date for the pastor to appear, nor had they confirmed whether the request for more time had been approved.
The case has attracted public attention due to Pastor Okafor’s popularity and influence, especially among his followers in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries is a well-known church with a strong presence in Lagos. The church is known for large prayer gatherings, deliverance services, and miracle-focused programmes that draw thousands of worshippers.
Pastor Okafor is also active on social media and religious television platforms, where his sermons and programmes reach a wide audience.
In recent years, cases involving religious leaders accused of misconduct have raised concerns among the public. Many Nigerians have called for greater accountability among leaders of religious organisations, especially when serious allegations are made.
Under Nigerian law, when the police receive petitions or complaints alleging criminal behaviour, they are required to invite the person named in the petition for questioning. This allows investigators to hear all sides and gather facts before deciding on further action.
A Lagos-based lawyer, who spoke generally on such cases, explained that cooperation with law enforcement is important.
“When the police invite someone over an allegation, it is usually to hear their own side. It is always better to honour such invitations or formally ask for a new date,” the lawyer said.
He added that if a suspect repeatedly ignores invitations, the police may take further steps allowed by law to ensure compliance.
News of Pastor Okafor’s failure to appear at the SCID sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially on social media.
Some supporters of the pastor urged the public to wait for the outcome of the police investigation, stressing that allegations remain allegations until proven in court.
Others called on the police to ensure that the matter is handled openly and fairly, without special treatment because of the pastor’s status.
The Lagos State Police Command has repeatedly said it is committed to handling the case professionally.
According to the command, the investigation will follow the law, and no one will be above the process.
“The Lagos State Police Command assures members of the public that all allegations will be treated seriously and investigated without fear or favour,” a police source said.
The police also appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could interfere with the investigation or cause unnecessary tension.
As the investigation continues, attention will now be on whether Pastor Okafor will honour a rescheduled invitation or formally respond to the allegations through his lawyers.
If he appears before the police, investigators are expected to question him and review any evidence or statements connected to the case.
Depending on the findings, the police may either close the case or forward it for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
For now, the Lagos State Police say they remain focused on uncovering the truth while maintaining public order.