Outrage as Lagos Police Suspend Probe into Sexual Assault Allegations Against Pastor Chris Okafor

The Lagos State Police Command is facing mounting public anger after abruptly suspending its investigation into sexual assault allegations against prominent cleric Pastor Chris Okafor—an extraordinary reversal that has reignited long-standing concerns about impunity for powerful religious figures in Nigeria.

The pastor, a fixture of Lagos’ megachurch circuit and a celebrity preacher known for lavish displays and televised “miracle” crusades, had been formally directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti. The order followed a probe directive issued by the Commissioner of Police, raising expectations that the case would be subjected to due process.

Those expectations have now been shattered.

A Sudden Halt

Police sources cite unspecified “procedural issues” as the reason for the suspension. No timeline has been offered for when—or if—the investigation will resume. The opacity has fueled allegations of influence peddling and a quiet cover-up, especially in a country where religious leaders command enormous followings and political clout.

Victims’ advocates say the explanation rings hollow. “When procedure becomes a convenient pause button, justice is what gets suspended,” said one campaigner familiar with sexual violence cases in Lagos.

The Allegations

Authorities have declined to disclose details, citing the sensitivity of the matter. What is known is that the probe was triggered by serious claims of sexual misconduct. Pastor Okafor has publicly denied the allegations, framing them as an attack on his ministry—language that resonates powerfully in a society where faith and identity are tightly intertwined.

Public Backlash

Online reaction has been swift and unforgiving. The hashtag #JusticeForVictims surged across Nigerian social media platforms, with users questioning why a case that had reached Panti would suddenly be shelved. Many drew parallels to past allegations involving influential clerics that faded without accountability.

The backlash is not merely about one pastor. It speaks to a broader anxiety: whether Nigeria’s justice system can withstand pressure from revered “Men of God” whose spiritual authority often eclipses legal scrutiny.

A Familiar Pattern

Legal experts note that prosecuting high-profile religious leaders has historically proven difficult. Witness intimidation, public shaming of accusers, and institutional reluctance frequently derail cases before they reach court. The suspension at Panti, critics argue, fits a troubling pattern.

The Message Sent

As the file gathers dust, the implications are stark. For survivors of sexual violence—already navigating stigma, fear, and disbelief—the signal is chilling: power can still place some individuals beyond investigation.

Until the Lagos State Police offer transparency and a clear path forward, the suspension will remain a stain on the force’s credibility—and a sobering reminder that, in Nigeria, justice too often pauses at the altar of influence.