The legal team of Pastor Chris Okafor has challenged actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other bloggers to submit credible evidence of their allegations to the Nigeria Police or risk criminal prosecution.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, counsel to the cleric, Ife Ajayi, lead partner at Sovereignty LP, described the allegations against his client as false, malicious and part of a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail and public incitement aimed at damaging Pastor Okafor’s reputation.
Ajayi said the allegations, which resurfaced in December 2025, were allegedly initiated by Ogala and amplified by bloggers and online commentators who, he claimed, failed to seek Pastor Okafor’s response before publishing damaging reports.
“Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What we have witnessed is not advocacy or responsible journalism, but a calculated attempt to subject him to trial by social media,” Ajayi said.
Origin of the Dispute
Tracing the roots of the controversy, Ajayi explained that the matter began in late 2024 following a business engagement involving Ogala and a third party, from which Pastor Okafor later withdrew after determining that the expected objectives could not be achieved.
He said Ogala subsequently alleged on social media that the cleric owed her ₦45 million, a claim he described as unfounded. According to him, the narrative later shifted to allegations of a romantic relationship, monetary demands and, eventually, more serious claims bordering on criminal conduct.
“Each time one allegation failed to gain traction, another more outrageous one followed,” Ajayi said, describing it as a systematic campaign.
He further alleged that the attacks intensified on the eve of Pastor Okafor’s wedding in December 2025, when Ogala reportedly questioned his right to marry and demanded compensation, first in cash and later in the form of a house.
Prior Arrest and Settlement
Ajayi disclosed that Ogala had previously been arrested and charged to court over cyberstalking, cyberbullying and threats arising from similar online conduct. He said the case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement, which was adopted by the court.
Under the terms of the settlement, Ajayi said Ogala received an agreed sum and undertook not to contact, engage with or mention Pastor Okafor publicly.
“At no point during those proceedings did she allege rape, sexual assault or an affair. Those claims only emerged after the settlement was reached and allegedly breached,” he said.
Police Involvement
According to Ajayi, fresh complaints were later lodged with the Nigeria Police over alleged public incitement, blackmail and cyber harassment. He said Ogala was arrested again shortly before Christmas 2025 and interrogated by police in Lagos.
During questioning, Ajayi claimed, Ogala denied making some of the most serious allegations attributed to her online, including claims that Pastor Okafor was involved in a death allegedly buried within church premises or that his wife was forced into marriage.
He said she was granted administrative bail on medical grounds and warned not to return to social media with unsubstantiated claims, but alleged that the attacks nonetheless resumed with new narratives involving alleged sexual offences.
Accusations Against Influencers and Bloggers
Ajayi accused VDM and other online platforms of abusing their influence by soliciting allegations from the public and presenting them as established facts.
“You cannot be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge at the same time. Allegations of rape, murder or abuse must be reported to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
He revealed that formal criminal complaints have been filed against individuals involved in spreading the allegations, adding that the legal team is monitoring several social media accounts suspected to be coordinating the campaign.
Ajayi also criticised some media organisations for publishing unverified claims without balancing responses, accusing them of prioritising sensationalism over due process.
Cooperation With Investigations
The lawyer stressed that Pastor Okafor has fully cooperated with police investigations, honouring invitations and providing what he described as evidence countering allegations of rape, child abuse or murder.
He said the Lagos State Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to handle the matter, adding that his client reported voluntarily and was released after responding to inquiries.
“There was no evasion of arrest or refusal to honour police invitations,” Ajayi said.
Call for Restraint.
Ajayi called on Ogala, VDM and others to submit their allegations, witnesses and evidence to the police.
“If they believe these allegations are true, they should present proof to law enforcement. Otherwise, we will pursue all available legal remedies,” he warned.
He also criticised a recent online report alleging rape against Pastor Okafor, describing it as defamatory and part of a broader attempt to tarnish his client’s image.
Ajayi urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the police to conclude their investigations, warning against mob justice driven by social media narratives.
“This is a society governed by law. Social media outrage cannot replace investigation, evidence and trial,” he said, adding that while his client would not be intimidated, the legal team would ensure accountability for the spread of false allegations.
