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Alleged Rape: Pastor Chris Okafor Challenges VDM, Doris Ogala, Others to Present Evidence to Police

Pastor Chris Okafor speaks through lawyers amid alleged rape accusations involving Doris Ogala and VDM
Chris Okafor dares VDM and Doris Ogala to submit evidence to police

The legal battle surrounding allegations made against Lagos-based cleric Pastor Chris Okafor has intensified following a strong public challenge issued by his legal team to actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and several online bloggers. At a press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, Pastor Okafor’s counsel, Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP, described the allegations circulating on social media as false, malicious, and defamatory, accusing those spreading them of engaging in coordinated cyberbullying, blackmail, and public incitement. According to the source, the cleric has now formally invited his accusers to submit verifiable evidence to the Nigeria Police Force, warning that failure to do so may result in criminal and civil actions against them.

Legal Team Describes Allegations as “Trial by Social Media”
Speaking to journalists, Ajayi condemned what he termed a growing culture of “trial by social media,” where unverified allegations are amplified online without recourse to due process.

“Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What has happened over the past few months goes beyond advocacy or responsible journalism. It is a calculated attempt to destroy a man’s reputation without evidence,” Ajayi said.

He alleged that many bloggers and online platforms published damaging narratives without seeking Pastor Okafor’s response or confirming the claims through lawful channels.

Origins of the Dispute: From Business Disagreement to Public Controversy
Ajayi traced the origin of the controversy to late 2024, when Doris Ogala allegedly entered into a business engagement involving Pastor Okafor and a third party. According to the lawyer, the cleric later disengaged from the arrangement after determining that the agreed objectives could not be achieved. Following the disengagement, Ogala allegedly took to social media, claiming that Pastor Okafor owed her ₦45 million, an allegation Ajayi described as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
“When that claim failed to gain public sympathy, the narrative began to change,” Ajayi explained.
He said the allegations evolved over time—from claims of unpaid debt to assertions of a romantic relationship, monetary demands, and eventually, accusations bordering on criminal conduct.
“Each time one allegation failed to gain traction, another, more sensational one followed. It was a systematic attempt to see what would stick,” he added.
The lawyer further alleged that the attacks escalated in December 2025, just days before Pastor Okafor’s wedding. According to him, Ogala reportedly questioned the cleric’s right to marry and made fresh demands for compensation, initially requesting cash and later allegedly demanding a house.
Ajayi said these actions further reinforced the cleric’s belief that the issue had moved beyond a personal dispute into a deliberate campaign of harassment and blackmail.

Previous Arrest, Settlement, and Alleged Breach
Ajayi
disclosed that Doris Ogala had previously been arrested and charged in court over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and threats linked to similar online conduct. He explained that the case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement, which was subsequently adopted by the court.
As part of the agreement, Ajayi said Ogala received an agreed sum and formally undertook never to contact, engage with, or mention Pastor Okafor publicly.
“Not once during those proceedings did she allege rape, sexual assault, or an affair. Those claims were never raised until after the settlement was concluded and allegedly breached,” he stated.
The lawyer added that Pastor Okafor waived his right to continue prosecution in the interest of peace, only to later face renewed online attacks in violation of the agreement.

According to Ajayi, fresh complaints were later lodged with the Nigeria Police Force over what he described as public incitement, blackmail, and cyber harassment. He revealed that Ogala was arrested again shortly before Christmas 2025 and interrogated by police in Lagos. During questioning, Ajayi claimed she 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.
“She denied these allegations in the presence of police officers and requested legal representation before making her statement,” Ajayi said.
He added that Ogala was later granted administrative bail on medical grounds and warned not to return to social media with unsubstantiated claims. Despite this warning, the lawyer alleged that the online attacks resumed, this time involving allegations of sexual offenses and the public parading of individuals presented as victims.

Ajayi
accused VeryDarkMan (VDM) and several online platforms, including podcasts and blogs, 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 all at once,” he said.
“If there is an allegation of rape, murder, or abuse, the law is very clear on where such matters should be reported.”
He disclosed that formal criminal complaints have now been filed against individuals allegedly involved in spreading defamatory content, adding that his legal team is monitoring dozens of social media accounts suspected of coordinating the narratives.

Ajayi also addressed a recent report by online platform SaharaReporters, which featured a faceless woman alleging she was raped by Pastor Okafor.  According to him, the report forms part of what he described as a broader plot to tarnish his client’s image. He insisted that the story amounted to “guilt by allegation” and served no public interest other than to defame the cleric.

The legal team stressed that Pastor Okafor has fully cooperated with police investigations, honoring all invitations and providing what they described as “documentary and testimonial evidence” countering allegations of rape, child abuse, or murder. Ajayi disclosed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, to handle the matter.
“Our client reported voluntarily, answered all questions, and was released after the investigation commenced. There was never a case of evading arrest or refusing police invitation,” he said.
In a firm warning, Ajayi challenged Ogala, VDM, and other accusers to present their allegations, witnesses, and evidence to the police.
“If they truly believe these allegations are genuine, let them swear to them under oath and submit proof to law enforcement,” he said.
“Otherwise, we will pursue every legal remedy available to protect our client’s rights.”
Call for Public Restraint
Ajayi urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation, warning against mob justice driven by social media outrage.
“This is a society governed by law. Social media cannot replace investigation, evidence, and trial,” he stated.
He also revealed that Pastor Okafor, his wife, and family members have received threatening messages as a result of the online campaign, describing the situation as dangerous and emotionally distressing.
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Conclusion

The legal team concluded by reiterating Pastor Okafor’s resolve not to be intimidated or blackmailed, while affirming their commitment to ensuring accountability for anyone found to have spread false allegations.
“The truth may be delayed, but it will prevail,” Ajayi said.
As investigations continue, the case highlights the growing tension between social media activism and the rule of law, raising critical questions about accountability, due process, and the responsibilities of influencers and media platforms in Nigeria’s digital space.

By Primelineinfo

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