Entertainment
Alleged Rape: Pastor Okafor’s Lawyers Ask Accusers to Submit Evidence to Police
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The legal team representing Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, has responded to allegations circulating against him on social media, calling on those making the claims to present any evidence to law enforcement authorities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, counsel to the cleric, Barrister Ife Ajayi, said the allegations were unfounded and had caused reputational harm to his client.
He urged actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other bloggers to channel their claims to the Nigeria Police for investigation.
Ajayi said the statements and posts circulating online amounted to allegations that should properly be handled by law enforcement agencies rather than debated on social media platforms.
“Our client is a law-abiding Nigerian. Where allegations of a criminal nature are made, the appropriate place to ventilate them is before the police and the courts, not on social media,” he said.
The lawyer explained that the dispute between Pastor Okafor and Ogala arose from a business-related interaction in late 2024, which, according to him, did not progress as expected.
He said disagreements later spilled onto social media, with varying claims being made over time.
Ajayi stated that his client has consistently denied all allegations of criminal wrongdoing, including claims of sexual misconduct, describing them as false and unsupported.
He disclosed that earlier complaints relating to online conduct had been reported to the authorities and were resolved through legal processes, adding that no allegation of rape or sexual assault was made during those proceedings.
According to Ajayi, further complaints were subsequently lodged with the Nigeria Police following renewed online posts.
He said Ogala was invited by the police for questioning and later granted bail, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
He added that Pastor Okafor has cooperated fully with police inquiries, honoured invitations, and provided information requested by investigators.
Ajayi also dismissed suggestions circulating online that his client evaded arrest or failed to respond to police summons.
Reacting to more recent online reports alleging rape by unnamed individuals, Ajayi described such publications as unverified and irresponsible, noting that they relied on anonymous claims rather than formal complaints to law enforcement agencies.
He said the continued circulation of unproven allegations had subjected Pastor Okafor and members of his family to harassment and threats.
In a direct challenge, Ajayi called on those making the allegations to formally submit their complaints, witnesses and evidence to the police for proper investigation.
“If anyone believes an offence has been committed, the law provides clear channels for reporting it.
Allegations should be backed with evidence and tested through investigation,” he said.
Ajayi urged members of the public to exercise restraint and allow the police to carry out their duties, cautioning against trial by social media.
“This is a society governed by law. Allegations must be investigated and proven in accordance with due process,” he said.
Organisers of The Headies have refuted allegations that gospel and inspirational musicians are excluded from the award’s major categories.
In a statement released on Monday via its official Instagram page, the organisers said the claim does not reflect the award’s history.
They cited previous winners such as Lara George, Kefee, Nikki Laoye and Timi Dakolo as gospel artistes who have won mainstream honours at The Headies.
The statement also noted that the Inspirational Single category was created to recognise songs that promote faith, hope and positive values.
The clarification followed an open letter from Afrogospel artiste Gaise Baba, who raised concerns about the treatment of gospel music at the awards.
Gaise Baba argued that songs should be judged on quality, sound and impact, rather than the message in the lyrics.
“A rap record is a rap record,” he wrote in part.
The singer further questioned whether commercially successful gospel songs like ‘Favour’ and his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor, ‘No Turning Back II’, receive the same consideration as mainstream Nigerian songs.
Gaise Baba also recalled his experience as a nominee, stating that the Inspirational Music category was not presented during the main ceremony at one edition.
He said nominees commit time and resources to the process and deserve proper recognition.
Fifteen housemates have been put up for possible eviction in week six of Big Brother Naija Season 11.
The nominees are Chimsom Chuka, Flora, Aikou, Bells, Tram, Gerard, Oyin, Ricky, Barry, Temi Nkem, Araga, Yusuf, Nomy, Bluethopia and Keivo.
The list was confirmed during Monday’s nomination proceedings in the house.
Head of House Abi is immune from eviction this week following her win in the week six HOH challenge.
She also becomes a two-time HOH this season.
Also safe from eviction is Sheba, who emerged as the Most Influential Player for week five.
The title comes with immunity for the following week.
With Aikou and Flora’s gambit status now revoked, both housemates are eligible for nominations and eviction for the first time this season.
The race for honours at the 18th Headies Awards has intensified following the release of nominees for the 2026 edition, with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars set to battle across several competitive categories.
Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake and Rema are among the leading names on the nomination list unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, under the theme, “Africa to the World”.
The nominations recognise music released between August 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, with 213 nominations spread across 35 categories.
Fola emerged as the biggest individual nominee with 10 nominations, while Omah Lay followed with eight. Mavo and Wizkid secured seven nominations each, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season.
Wizkid is in contention in major categories, including Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Afrobeats Album of the Year and Song of the Year. His album, Morayo, is also nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year.
Davido also features prominently, with his album 5ive nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, earned nominations in Song of the Year, Afrobeats Single of the Year, Best Recording of the Year, Best Headies Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice.
Adekunle Gold joins the heavyweight contenders with Fuji nominated for Afrobeats Album of the Year. He is also nominated for Best Male Artiste and Best Performer (Live) for his performance at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Among the female stars, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead with five nominations apiece. Ayra Starr is also in contention for Best Female Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and Best Performer (Live).
The Next Rated category is equally expected to attract significant attention, with Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo and Shoday competing for the coveted prize. The category has traditionally served as a major platform for identifying the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
The organisers have also announced special honours, with veteran Congolese singer, Awilo Longomba, set to receive the Headies Hall of Fame Award, while Nigerian entertainment executive, Cecil Hammond, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his contributions to African entertainment.
With established superstars, rising acts and a new crop of contenders spread across the categories, attention will now shift to the October ceremony in Toronto, where the nominees will battle for one of Africa’s most recognised music honours.
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