Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, also known as Liberation Assembly, Chris Okafor, has stepped down from his pastoral duties following multiple sexual allegations made against him.

The development comes days after the cleric publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala during a church service, where he knelt on the pulpit, admitted to past “mistakes,” and asked for forgiveness. The apology followed Ogala’s viral accusations of betrayal, emotional manipulation, and claims that Okafor reneged on a promise of marriage after a long-term relationship.

The pastor had earlier married a new bride, identified as Pearl, on December 16, 2025, in a ceremony attended by prominent clerics, despite the ongoing controversy.

Pressure from Christian leaders

As allegations against the pastor intensified on social media, with more women coming forward, it was gathered that senior Christian leaders mounted pressure on Okafor to step aside to ease tensions.

A senior official of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) confirmed that the pastor was advised to step down temporarily, noting that further disciplinary decisions were being considered.

The source explained that the festive period delayed formal meetings but said Okafor had stepped down for one month, pending further action. The official clarified that while PFN is not a law enforcement body and cannot investigate criminal allegations, it can apply spiritual discipline where necessary, leaving criminal matters to the authorities.

‘I stepped down on God’s instruction’

However, addressing his congregation during the church’s New Year crossover service, Okafor said his decision to step aside was based on spiritual reasons.

He described the break as a period for rest, prayer, and personal retreat with God, adding that he and his wife had not rested since their wedding. He stated that the break would last until February, noting that he would not be completely absent from church activities.

The allegations

The controversy began on December 14 when Doris Ogala released a series of emotional videos alleging a long-term sexual relationship with the pastor, which she claimed started in 2017. She accused him of making repeated marriage promises before marrying another woman.

Ogala also alleged emotional distress, financial loss, and the sharing of her private content without consent. She later demanded ₦1 billion in damages through her lawyers, citing threats and intimidation.

As the scandal widened, other women, including Okafor’s former wife and a former church choir member, made similar allegations ranging from infidelity and manipulation to long-term secret relationships. Additional claims later surfaced on social media, including calls for DNA tests by another accuser.

The pastor has denied several of the allegations. The Lagos State Police Command has stated that no formal petition has been filed against him, adding that police action requires an official complaint.

Church members react

Some members of the church have defended the pastor, dismissing the allegations as blackmail and malicious attempts to extort money. Long-time members described Okafor as a man of integrity and questioned the timing and motive behind the accusations.

Christian leaders urge caution

Reacting to the situation, the Lagos Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged ministers to live according to the values they preach, stressing accountability and godly conduct.

Other Christian leaders called for caution, noting that while wrongdoing should not be excused, pastors are human and capable of failing. They emphasised repentance, restoration, and due process, while urging authorities to handle any criminal aspects of the allegations appropriately.