Top 10 Nigerian Pastors In Messy Sexual-Scandals — And How Each Story Ended (So Far)

Top 10 Nigerian Pastors in Sexual-Scandal Reports — And How Each Story Ended (So Far)

If you’ve been on Nigerian social media in the last few weeks, you already know this country can turn one “church gist” into a full-season series — with trailers, cliffhangers, fan theories, and “part 7 loading…” in the comments.

But beyond the memes and hot takes, there’s a serious pattern Nigerians keep noticing: a powerful pulpit, a messy allegation, public outrage, then a carefully packaged response — denial, tears, apologies, court papers, or total silence.

So let’s talk about 10 of the most talked-about Nigerian pastors linked to sexual-scandal reports over the years — and how each story ended (or where it currently stands). Note: many of these were allegations reported publicly; where a court has ruled or a conviction happened, we’ll say so clearly.

1) Pastor Chris Okafor (Mountain of Liberation & Miracles Ministries) — The Doris Ogala Storm

This one is still hot like pepper soup.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala publicly accused Pastor Chris Okafor of a long-running relationship and a series of explosive claims, including a promise of marriage and other private allegations. Then, in a move that shook plenty people, the pastor publicly knelt and apologised in church, asking forgiveness for “mistakes.” That public apology only poured fuel into the fire, because Nigerians immediately asked: “Wait… so something really happened?”

But it didn’t stop there. Reports also show Ogala’s lawyers issued a ₦1 billion demand, giving a timeline and threatening legal action.

How it ended: It hasn’t, yet. As of now, it’s still an unfolding public/legal battle, and Nigerians are watching every move like a live finale.

2) Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo (COZA) — The Busola Dakolo #MeToo Earthquake

In 2019, photographer Busola Dakolo accused COZA founder Biodun Fatoyinbo of rape when she was a teenager. The story exploded into protests, media pressure, and a national debate about power, consent, and “church celebrity culture.” Fatoyinbo denied the allegation and at one point stepped aside from the pulpit while the controversy raged.

Then came the courtroom twist: an FCT High Court dismissed Busola’s suit and awarded ₦1 million cost against her.

How it ended: Legally (in that civil case), the court dismissed her suit. Publicly, the matter left a long shadow and became one of Nigeria’s biggest “church scandal” conversations of the decade.

3) Apostle Johnson Suleman (Omega Fire Ministries) — Stephanie Otobo, Lawsuits, and a Never-Ending Debate

This story had everything: press conferences, counter-claims, and full-blown court drama.

In 2017, Stephanie Otobo alleged she had a relationship with Apostle Johnson Suleman, including claims about promises and intimacy. Suleman denied the claims and filed a ₦1 billion defamation suit.

Otobo also filed a separate lawsuit in Canada seeking damages.

Later, videos circulated of Otobo apologising and claiming she had been influenced — but years after, she also resurfaced with claims suggesting she was pressured. The whole thing became a fog of allegations and counter-allegations that left many Nigerians frustrated and confused.

How it ended: No widely reported criminal conviction from this scandal; instead, it dragged through lawsuits, public statements, and long-running controversy that still pops up anytime “pastor scandals” trend.

4) Pastor Timothy Omotoso (Jesus Dominion International) — The South Africa Trial That Shocked Everyone

If there’s any case that proved scandals can turn into full legal warfare, it’s this one.

Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, based in South Africa, faced serious charges including rape and human trafficking. After years of trial, a South African court found him and co-accused not guilty on the charges in April 2025 — citing, among other things, serious issues in how the state’s case was handled.

But even after acquittal, the matter didn’t just “end quietly.” South African authorities pursued immigration-related actions, and official government statements later confirmed he left South Africa and was declared an undesirable/prohibited person.

How it ended: Acquitted in court, but later entangled in immigration enforcement and removal from South Africa.

5) Pastor Feyi Daniels (iReign Christian Ministry) — From “Man of God” to Life Sentence

This one is not “gist” — it’s grim.

Pastor Feyi Daniels, founder of iReign Christian Ministry, was prosecuted over rape allegations. A Lagos sexual offences court convicted him, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment (plus additional jail time on another count).

How it ended: Conviction and life sentence. No ambiguity here.

6) Bishop Kenneth Duke (Abuja) — 20 Years Behind Bars

Reports in 2025 said an FCT High Court sentenced Abuja-based church founder Bishop Kenneth Duke to 20 years imprisonment for rape of a minor, with no option of fine.

When stories like this drop, Nigerians always ask: How many victims stayed silent because “he’s a pastor”? Because let’s be honest, spiritual fear can be a cage.

How it ended: Conviction and a 20-year sentence.

7) Apostle Favour Maxy Okoise (Calabar) — Double Life Imprisonment

In Calabar, reports said a Family Court convicted Apostle Favour Okoise (described as a church leader) and handed down two life sentences over rape convictions involving multiple victims, including a minor.

How it ended: Conviction and double life sentence.

8) Pastor Ndukwe Ogbu (Lagos) — 25 Years for Defiling His Daughter

Some stories are so painful you almost don’t want to read them — but you must, because silence is how evil survives.

In 2025, reports said an Ikeja Sexual Offences court sentenced Pastor Ndukwe Ogbu to 25 years in prison for defiling his teenage daughter.

How it ended: Conviction and 25-year jail term.

9) Dr Albert Odulele (UK-based Nigerian pastor) — Guilty Plea and Prison Time

This one happened outside Nigeria, but it was widely reported because he was a prominent Nigerian pastor in the UK.

In 2011, Dr Albert Odulele admitted to sexual assault charges in a UK court and was jailed (reports mention concurrent sentences and placement on the sex offenders register).

How it ended: Guilty plea, imprisonment, and official offender registration in the UK.

10) Pastor Joshua Iginla (Champions Royal Assembly) — The Public Confession That Broke the Internet

Not every scandal ends in court. Some end in public confession and family collapse.

In 2019, Abuja pastor Joshua Iginla shocked his congregation by publicly admitting adultery and announcing serious marital issues, including claims of children outside the marriage. The story spread like wildfire because Nigerians were stunned: “Why confess like this in front of the whole church?” 

How it ended: A public confession that became a national headline and a major marital fallout story — a reminder that private sin doesn’t stay private forever, especially when you’re a public spiritual leader.

The Real Lesson Nigerians Keep Learning (And It’s Not Funny)

Now, let’s pause.

The loudest truth in all these stories is not even “who did what.” It’s this: power without accountability is dangerous — in politics, in business, and yes, in church.

Some cases ended in court convictions. Some ended in dismissals. Some ended in apologies and PR control. Some are still unfolding. But the consistent tragedy is the same: victims, followers, and ordinary people carry the emotional bill for the chaos.

As the Bible quietly warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) And another one that hits hard in situations like this: “The prudent see danger and take refuge…” (Proverbs 22:3)

Because at the end of the day, church should be a refuge — not a place where people are pressured to “forgive and forget” while justice is still limping.

Kneeling Is Easy. Accountability Is the Real Miracle.

Nigerians are not asking pastors to be angels. Nobody is perfect. But if you carry an altar on your head and you speak like you’re above correction, you must understand something: people will hold you to the standard you preached.

So the question isn’t just “who fell?” The real question is:

When scandals happen, do we protect the truth… or do we protect the brand?