The Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, has stepped down from active pastoral duties following mounting sexual misconduct allegations that have sparked widespread reactions on social media and within Christian circles.
The development comes days after the cleric publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala during a church service, where he admitted to what he described as “mistakes” and asked for forgiveness while kneeling on the pulpit.
Okafor’s decision to step aside also follows his recent wedding to a woman identified as Pearl on December 16, 2025, amid accusations by Ogala that the pastor allegedly reneged on a promise of marriage after a long-term relationship.
According to The PUNCH, sources within the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria confirmed that pressure from senior Christian leaders influenced the pastor’s decision to temporarily withdraw from leadership duties.
A senior PFN official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said disciplinary steps were being considered.
“There are more actions to be taken regarding this matter. The pastor stepping aside is part of the pressure from respected leaders within the Christian community,” the official said.
According to the source, formal deliberations were delayed due to the festive period, but discussions are ongoing.
“Meetings could not hold during the holidays, but he has stepped down for one month. Before the end of that period, decisions would be made,” the source added.
The PFN official clarified that the body does not investigate criminal allegations.
“PFN is not the police. If there are allegations of rape or other crimes, the appropriate authorities must investigate. What PFN can do is apply spiritual discipline and moral pressure,” he said.
‘I’m stepping aside for spiritual renewal’ — Pastor
Addressing his congregation during the church’s New Year crossover service, Okafor said his decision to step aside was based on spiritual guidance rather than external pressure.
“I will be resting for a while. It is time for personal retreat, prayer, and rest with my wife,” he said.
“Since our wedding, we have not rested or even gone for honeymoon.
From January, we will step aside and return stronger by February.”
He noted that the break did not amount to a complete withdrawal from church activities.
The controversy began on December 14, when Ogala released emotional videos on Instagram alleging that she had a sexual relationship with the pastor from 2017, which lasted nearly nine years.
She claimed Okafor repeatedly promised to marry her but later wed another woman. Ogala further alleged emotional manipulation, financial loss, and the sharing of her private images.
The actress also presented screenshots and photos, alleging that the pastor sent her $10,000 to withdraw her claims and later demanded ₦1 billion in damages through her lawyers, citing intimidation and harassment.
Subsequently, other women surfaced with similar allegations, including Bessem Okafor, identified as the pastor’s former wife, who accused him of infidelity and physical abuse.
Another woman, identified as Ebere, a former choir member, alleged a long-term affair that resulted in multiple abortions and a child.
In a separate viral video, another woman claimed the pastor had sexual relationships with her and her sister, allegedly leading to pregnancies, and demanded a DNA test.
Additionally, social media activist Martin Otse (VeryDarkMan) shared an audio clip of a woman claiming to be Okafor’s daughter, accusing him of making inappropriate advances—an allegation the pastor later denied.
The Lagos State Police Command said it could not act on the allegations without a formal complaint.
Spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said, “We are not aware of any petition against the pastor. Anyone with a complaint should come forward.”
During visits to the church headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos, some members dismissed the allegations as false and financially motivated.
One long-time member, Ruben Alufe, said,
“Pastor Okafor is a good man of God. I have known him for over 20 years. These allegations are lies and blackmail.”
Another member described the accusations as a smear campaign.
“People are just looking for money. If these things were true, they would have come out long ago,” he said.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged ministers to uphold integrity.
“Judgment will start from the house of God. Ministers must live by what they preach,” he said.
Adegbite added that genuine repentance could open the door for restoration.
Similarly, Archbishop Osazee William, International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops in London, cautioned against selective outrage.
“Pastors are human beings. Wrong is wrong, but the Bible also teaches forgiveness and restoration,” he said.
He, however, advised clergy to exercise self-discipline.
“Ministers must know their weaknesses and consciously guard themselves to avoid falling,” William said.
