Femi Ashekun/
The Lagos State Police Command has formally invited Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID Panti, over allegations of multiple rape, sexual offences, and other conduct considered capable of causing a breach of public peace.
In a press release signed on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command disclosed that the cleric is expected to appear before investigators on Monday, January 5, by 10am prompt, to answer questions relating to what police described as “capital offences and other serious crimes”.
“The Lagos State Police Command has invited Pastor Chris Okafor… in connection with allegations of multiple rape, other sexual offences, and several other conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the State,” the statement read.
According to the police, the invitation was issued on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, who ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough investigation into the several criminal allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor,” the Command said.
It added that the pastor had already been served through his legal representative and was expected to cooperate fully with investigators at Panti.
“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,” the statement said.
In a move aimed at encouraging complainants to come forward, the Commissioner of Police also ordered immediate protection for alleged victims.
“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 police said.
The Command gave strong assurances on confidentiality, stressing that the identities of victims and witnesses would not be disclosed.
“The identity of the victims will be absolutely kept confidential and will be protected,” the statement noted, adding that “any person(s) or individuals who may have fallen victim are further implored to come forward to report their complaints”.
The police also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation.
“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,” SP Adebisi said, explaining that such individuals could report either through the Police Public Relations Department or directly at SCID Panti.
Reiterating its stance, the Command assured Lagos residents that the probe would be handled without bias or sentiment.
“The Commissioner of Police further reiterates and assures 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,” the statement said.
It emphasised that no individual would be shielded on account of status or influence.
“The Lagos State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order, public peace, safety, and ensuring that all allegations of criminal acts against anyone, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed, are discreetly investigated according to law… and no sentiment will be allowed to prevail. Justice must prevail in the whole episode.”
Meanwhile, some media reports circulating prior to the police invitation had claimed that Pastor Okafor had stepped aside from ministerial duties amid the controversy, but no official confirmation has been issued by the church leadership as at the time of filing this report.
Pastor Okafor is expected at SCID Panti on Monday as investigations into the allegations formally commence.
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