David Ochayi
Legal representatives of Lagos-based pastor Chris Okafor have issued a stern warning to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media personality Martins Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), and several bloggers, demanding they substantiate their accusations with concrete evidence or face potential legal consequences.
During a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, Ife Ajayi, lead counsel from Sovereignty LP, dismissed the allegations as baseless, defamatory, and part of a targeted smear campaign involving cyber harassment and misinformation.
Ajayi emphasized that the claims, which resurfaced in December 2025, were initially propagated by Ogala and later amplified by online platforms without verifying the facts or seeking Okafor’s side of the story.
“Our client is a respected clergyman and a law-abiding citizen. These accusations are not journalism—they are a deliberate effort to manipulate public perception,” Ajayi stated.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from a 2024 business arrangement involving Ogala and a third party, which Okafor later withdrew from due to unmet expectations. Ajayi clarified that Ogala’s subsequent claim of an unpaid ₦45 million debt was entirely fabricated.
He noted that the allegations shifted over time—from financial disputes to insinuations of an affair, and eventually to serious criminal accusations.
“The pattern is clear: when one false narrative fails, another is introduced to sustain the defamation,” Ajayi remarked.
Ajayi revealed that Ogala had previously faced legal action for cyberstalking and harassment, resulting in a court-mediated settlement that included a financial agreement and a commitment to cease public mentions of Okafor.
“Not once during those proceedings did she raise claims of sexual misconduct. These allegations surfaced only after the settlement was allegedly violated,” he added.
Following renewed online attacks, Okafor’s legal team filed complaints with the Nigerian Police, leading to Ogala’s arrest and questioning in late 2025. Ajayi disclosed that during interrogation, Ogala retracted some of the more severe accusations and requested legal counsel before being released on bail for medical reasons.
Despite police warnings, Ajayi alleged that Ogala and others reignited the controversy with new, unverified claims—including allegations of sexual assault and the involvement of supposed victims—further fueled by influencers like VeryDarkMan.
“Influencers cannot act as judge and jury. Serious accusations like rape must be formally investigated by authorities, not tried on social media,” he asserted.
Ajayi confirmed that criminal complaints had been lodged against those spreading defamatory content, with multiple social media accounts under surveillance. He reiterated Okafor’s full cooperation with law enforcement, including providing evidence refuting all allegations.
The case has been assigned to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with Okafor cleared after thorough questioning.
“Any suggestion that he evaded police interaction is categorically false,” Ajayi clarified.
He challenged Ogala, VeryDarkMan, and others to present their evidence to the police or risk legal action.
“If they stand by their claims, let them file formal reports. Otherwise, we will pursue every legal avenue to hold them accountable,” he warned.
Ajayi urged the public to allow due process to unfold, cautioning against the dangers of online mob justice.
“Justice is not served by viral hashtags but through proper legal channels,” he concluded.
