Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court in Lagos was on Tuesday stalled for the second time following her failure to appear in court due to ill health, triggering a stern warning from the prosecution that a bench warrant would be sought if she fails to show up at the next hearing.
The actress is facing a four‑count charge filed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, harassment and attempted extortion involving the founder of the Mountain of Liberty and Miracle Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor.
The case first came up for mention on April 24, 2026, before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi. On that occasion, Ogala’s former counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, informed the court that his client had undergone surgery two days earlier and was unable to attend. He assured the court that she would be present at the next adjourned date.
However, when the case was called on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Ogala was again absent. Her new lawyer, N.C. Atulomah, told the court that the actress was receiving treatment at a Federal Medical Centre. He said he had filed two affidavits in support of an application for adjournment and argued that the prosecution would suffer no prejudice if the matter was postponed. Atulomah further assured the court that Ogala would appear on the next adjourned date.
But the prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, expressed reluctance to consent to the request. He drew the court’s attention to the medical report submitted by the defence, noting that the document indicated that Ogala had already been discharged from the hospital and was being managed as an outpatient. Mokolu questioned the defendant’s claim of ill health, stating that she had recently taken part in her state’s party primary election, campaigned actively, emerged victorious and celebrated the outcome.
“I am reluctantly acceding to counsel’s plea for adjournment in view of what I am seeing for the first time. However, if by the next adjourned date she is not in court, I will be asking for a bench warrant,” Mokolu warned.
After considering the submissions of both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until October 28, 2026, for Ogala’s arraignment.
The four‑count charge alleges that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala published nude and intimate photographs of Pastor Okafor on her social media platforms without his consent, knowing that such publication would cause embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational damage. She is also accused of publishing messages, photographs and video recordings containing allegations that the cleric raped his wife, engaged in ritual practices within his church and was responsible for another person’s death. The prosecution maintains that these allegations were false and were intended to cause annoyance, intimidation and reputational harm.
In addition, the charge alleges that Ogala intentionally disseminated false information through computer networks and social media platforms with the aim of bullying, threatening, intimidating and harassing the cleric. The prosecution further alleged that she transmitted electronic communications threatening to continue publishing menacing and intimate materials about Pastor Okafor unless he compensated her or purchased a house for her. The allegation, if proven, amounts to attempted extortion under the Cybercrimes Act.
Pastor Okafor had previously denied all allegations made by the actress, describing the claims as false and malicious, and dismissing the sustained online attacks against him as cyberbullying driven by bloggers and influencers seeking traffic. According to the pastor’s legal team, Ogala had previously been arrested and charged for similar conduct, but the matter was settled out of court after Okafor opted to withdraw the case. Under the terms of that settlement, Ogala reportedly received an agreed sum and undertook not to mention the pastor publicly. Okafor’s lawyer, Uche Ajayi, later disclosed that the resurfaced allegations were initiated by Ogala and amplified by bloggers without recourse to verification or the pastor’s response.
The case highlights the growing legal consequences of online harassment in Nigeria, following the enactment of the 2024 amendment to the Cybercrimes Act, which introduced stiffer penalties for cyberbullying, cyberstalking and related offences. As the legal proceedings drag on with repeated adjournments, Justice Aluko’s firm stance signals that the court will not entertain further delays, and Ogala now faces the prospect of a bench warrant should she fail to appear at the next hearing.
At 34, the actress, who has featured in numerous Nollywood productions, now finds her career overshadowed by courtroom drama. Whether she will show up on October 28 or risk being arrested and brought to court remains to be seen.
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