Lagos Police Open Investigation into Sexual Offence Allegations Against Popular Cleric, Assure Protection for Accusers
The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a formal investigation into allegations of sexual offences, including rape, levelled against the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the police confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a thorough and discreet probe into the allegations, which are said to involve multiple victims.
According to the statement, the Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, to handle the investigation, given the gravity and sensitive nature of the allegations. Pastor Okafor has reportedly been formally invited through his legal representative and is expected to honour the invitation and cooperate fully with investigators.
The police leadership also disclosed that special security measures have been put in place to protect those who have accused the cleric, as well as potential witnesses, to ensure they can come forward without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
“The identity of all victims will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and adequately protected,” the statement read, adding that individuals with credible complaints, information, or evidence related to the case are encouraged to report directly at the SCID, Panti, or through the Police Public Relations Department at the Lagos State Police Command.
CP Jimoh further assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently, and without bias, stressing that no individual is above the law.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to maintaining public peace and safety. All allegations of criminal conduct, regardless of the social, religious, or economic status of those involved, will be investigated strictly in accordance with the law, without sentiment,” the Commissioner stated.
The Command urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, while allowing the police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
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