The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, failed to honour a police invitation on Monday over allegations bordering on sexual misconduct and other offences that could threaten public order.
Okafor was expected to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department by 10:00 a.m., according to Nigerian Newssphere.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, had disclosed during a briefing on Sunday that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a comprehensive investigation into petitions submitted against the cleric. The complaints reportedly include allegations of sexual offences and actions capable of disturbing public peace.
However, a senior officer at the SCID, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Okafor did not present himself as scheduled.
“Based on the CP’s directive, the DCP instructed the unit handling the case to debrief him, but he did not show up. By evening, it was clear he would not be coming today,” the officer said.
Another source familiar with the investigation revealed that the pastor allegedly contacted the police through his aides to request more time.
“We received calls from his representatives asking for an extension and giving assurances that he would eventually appear. That is the situation for now,” the source stated.
Efforts to obtain further comments from the police spokesperson on Monday were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her office were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
