The legal team of Lagos-based cleric Chris Okafor has urged Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other bloggers to provide evidence supporting their allegations against him to the Nigerian Police, warning that failure to do so could lead to criminal prosecution.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, counsel to the cleric, Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP, described the allegations circulating on social media as false, malicious and part of what he termed a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail and public incitement.

Ajayi said the allegations, which gained renewed traction in December 2025, originated from Ogala and were amplified by bloggers and digital platforms without seeking his client’s response.

“Our client is a private citizen and a law-abiding Nigerian. What has played out is not advocacy or responsible journalism, but a calculated attempt to try him in the court of public opinion,” Ajayi said.

Tracing the origin of the matter, Ajayi said it began in late 2024 following a business engagement involving Ogala and a third party, from which Pastor Okafor later disengaged after concluding that the expected outcome could not be achieved.

He said Ogala subsequently alleged that the cleric owed her ₦45 million, a claim he described as unfounded.

According to Ajayi, the allegations later evolved from monetary claims to alleged romantic involvement and, eventually, accusations bordering on criminal conduct.

“Each time one allegation failed to gain traction, another followed. It was a systematic attempt to see what would stick,”he said.

Ajayi disclosed that Ogala had previously been arrested and charged for cyberstalking, cyberbullying and threats over similar online conduct, a matter that was later resolved through an out-of-court settlement adopted by the court.

He said under the terms of the settlement, Ogala received an agreed sum and undertook not to contact 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 allegedly breached,” he stated.

The lawyer said fresh complaints were lodged with the Nigeria Police following renewed online attacks, leading to Ogala’s arrest and interrogation shortly before Christmas 2025.

According to him, Ogala denied some of the more serious allegations attributed to her online during police questioning and requested legal representation.

“She was later granted administrative bail on medical grounds and warned not to return to social media with unsubstantiated claims,”Ajayi said.

He alleged that despite the warning, fresh allegations resurfaced online, including claims of sexual offences and the presentation of individuals as victims.

Ajayi accused VDM and other 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 or murder must be reported to law enforcement,” he said.

He added that formal criminal complaints had been filed against individuals spreading the allegations and that dozens of social media accounts were under monitoring.

Ajayi stressed that Pastor Okafor had cooperated fully with police investigations, honoured all invitations and provided 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 the cleric was released after responding to inquiries.

“There was never a case of evading police invitation,” he said.

 

Ajayi challenged Ogala, VDM and others to submit their allegations and evidence to the police.

“If they believe their claims, let them present evidence to law enforcement. Otherwise, we will pursue all available legal remedies,” he warned.

He urged the public to allow the police to conclude investigations and cautioned 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.