The founder and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, also known as Liberation City, Dr. Chris Okafor, has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversies surrounding his personal life and ministry, insisting he will prove his innocence in court.
The cleric, who has recently faced allegations ranging from family disputes to claims of misconduct, addressed a select group of editors at his church headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos, where he narrated his life story, ministry journey, and the circumstances behind the accusations.
Okafor said the allegations surfaced shortly after he decided to remarry following years of being single after his divorce. He maintained that the claims were part of an attempt to tarnish his reputation and destabilize his ministry.
Early Life and Calling
According to the pastor, he was born in Benin City into a Christian family and was the sixth child of his parents. He claimed that even before his birth, prophecies were given to his parents that he would grow up to become a prophet.
He said his spiritual journey began at a young age after attending a crusade by the late televangelist Benson Idahosa, where he reportedly gave his life to Christ.
Okafor added that he later moved to Lagos after graduating from Ambrose Alli University, where he initially slept in a school security post while carrying out street evangelism before the ministry eventually began to grow.
He said the church started more than two decades ago with small fellowship gatherings and gradually expanded into a global ministry with branches in several countries.
Kidnapping Ordeal
The pastor also recounted a dramatic kidnapping incident that occurred during a crusade trip in Anambra State more than a decade ago. According to him, gunmen attacked his convoy and held him captive for 58 days.
He claimed he was chained alongside other victims in harsh conditions and that his church members later raised ₦20 million as ransom before he eventually regained his freedom.
Divorce and Family Dispute
Addressing issues surrounding his former marriage, Okafor said he divorced his first wife in 2014 after allegedly catching her with another man in their home.
He further revealed that DNA tests later showed that two of the four children from that marriage were not biologically his, a discovery he said he had kept private for many years.
Despite the revelation, he said he continued to support and care for all the children.
Allegations of Misconduct
The cleric also denied allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with any of his daughters, describing the claims as false and malicious.
According to him, none of such accusations were raised during the divorce proceedings, and he insisted that if any such incident had occurred, it would have been addressed legally at the time.
He claimed some of the allegations circulating online were part of a coordinated attempt to extort money from him, alleging that individuals involved later made financial demands for school fees and accommodation for the children.
Police Invitation
Okafor also criticized the police for inviting him over allegations he said were based on social media claims rather than formal complaints.
He said he eventually honored the invitation and met with a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who later suspended the matter due to lack of evidence.
Determined to Clear His Name
The pastor said he has gathered evidence, including recorded conversations, which he intends to present in court to clear his name.
He insisted the truth will eventually emerge and urged the public not to rush to judgment based on online accusations.
“I have never committed any crime anywhere in the world,” Okafor said. “The truth will come out in court.”
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