In a surprising development, the legal team of Lagos-based cleric Pastor Chris Okafor has escalated the ongoing battle concerning allegations circulating against him on social media. They have called on actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other bloggers to provide concrete evidence to the Nigeria Police or face criminal charges.
During a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP, representing Okafor, denounced the allegations as false, malicious, and part of what he characterized as a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail, and public incitement aimed at tarnishing his client’s reputation.
Ajayi stated that the attacks, which gained renewed momentum in December 2025, were instigated by Doris Ogala and amplified by a web of bloggers, online commentators, and digital platforms, many of whom, he claimed, did not seek Pastor Okafor’s response prior to publishing harmful narratives.
“Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What we have witnessed over the past months is not advocacy or responsible journalism, but a calculated attempt to try him in the court of public opinion,” Ajayi emphasized.
Tracing the origins of the dispute, Ajayi revealed that the issue began in late 2024 after a business engagement involving Ogala and a third party. According to him, Pastor Okafor eventually withdrew from the arrangement, believing the expected outcome was unattainable.
He noted that Ogala later turned to social media, alleging that the cleric owed her ₦45 million—an assertion he dismissed as unfounded. The narrative then evolved into allegations concerning a romantic relationship, monetary demands, and ultimately more serious accusations relating to criminal conduct.
“Each time one allegation failed to gather momentum, another more outrageous one emerged. It was a systematic attempt to test what might resonate,” the lawyer remarked.
He claimed that the attacks intensified just before Pastor Okafor’s wedding in December 2025, when Ogala allegedly questioned his right to marry and demanded compensation, first in cash and later as a house.
Prior Arrest, Settlement, and Alleged Breach
Ajayi disclosed that Ogala had previously faced arrest and charges in court for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and threats stemming from similar online behavior. This matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement, which was later ratified by the court.
Under the terms of the settlement, Ajayi stated, Ogala received a specified amount and agreed never to contact, engage with, or publicly mention Pastor Okafor for any reason.
“At no point during those proceedings did she allege rape, sexual assault, or an affair. Those accusations surfaced only after the settlement was reached and allegedly violated,” he asserted.
He added that Pastor Okafor waived his right to proceed with prosecution for the sake of peace but was later faced with renewed online attacks breaching the agreement.
Police Intervention and Fresh Allegations
According to Ajayi, complaints were subsequently filed with the Nigeria Police concerning what he described as public incitement, blackmail, and cyber harassment. He reported that Ogala was arrested again shortly before Christmas 2025 and questioned by police in Lagos.
During the interrogation, Ajayi claimed, she denied making some of the gravest allegations attributed to her online, including claims that Pastor Okafor was involved in a death allegedly buried on church premises or that his wife was coerced into marriage.
“She disavowed these accusations in front of police officers and requested legal representation before making her statement. She was later granted administrative bail for medical reasons and warned not to return to social media with unverified allegations,” Ajayi noted.
Despite this warning, he alleged, the online attacks persisted, featuring new narratives involving purported sexual offenses and presenting individuals as victims.
Influencers, Bloggers, and ‘Trial by Social Media’
Ajayi accused VDM and other platforms, including a podcast, of misusing their influence by soliciting allegations from the public and portraying them online as established facts.
“You cannot play the roles of accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge simultaneously. If there is an allegation of rape, murder, or abuse, the legal process clearly outlines where it should be reported,” he stated.
He revealed that formal criminal complaints have been lodged against individuals involved in disseminating the allegations, and that the legal team is monitoring numerous social media accounts suspected of coordinating the narrative.
Ajayi also critiqued some media outlets for publishing these claims without thorough verification or balanced responses, accusing them of profiting from sensational content at the cost of due process.
Cooperation with Investigation
The lawyer emphasized that Pastor Okafor has fully cooperated with police investigations, answering invitations and providing what he termed “irrefutable evidence” countering claims of rape, child abuse, or murder.
He stated that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti to address the matter, adding that his client voluntarily reported and was released after addressing all inquiries.
“There was never a case of evading arrest or refusing police invitation. That narrative is another falsehood circulated online,” Ajayi stated.
Challenge to Accusers
In a direct challenge, Ajayi urged Ogala, VDM, and others to present their allegations, witnesses, and evidence to the police.
“If they believe these allegations are true, let them swear to them under oath and provide proof to law enforcement. Otherwise, we will pursue all available legal remedies,” he cautioned.
Ajayi also referenced a recent media report by an online platform, SaharaReporters, in which an anonymous woman claimed to have been raped by Chris Okafor. He noted that the report was part of a plot to further damage his client’s image.
He insisted that the entire story represents guilt by allegation and serves no purpose other than to slander and defame his client’s reputation. He described the ongoing publication of unverified claims as dangerous, emphasizing that Pastor Okafor, along with his wife and family, has received threats as a result of the online campaign.
Call for Restraint
Ajayi urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the police to conclude their investigation, cautioning against mob justice fueled by social media narratives.
“This is a society governed by law. Social media outrage cannot replace thorough investigation, evidence, and trial,” he asserted.
He concluded by stating that while Pastor Okafor would not be intimidated or blackmailed, the legal team is dedicated to ensuring that those who spread false allegations are held accountable. “The truth may be delayed, but it will prevail,” Ajayi added.
