Doris Ogala’s Court case stalls as Actress fails to appear

The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Lagos due to her absence, delaying proceedings in a cyberstalking case involving a cleric.

Miss Ogala was scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government, bordering on alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor.

At the hearing, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola, informed the court that the defendant was absent despite being duly served with a hearing notice, and applied for a bench warrant to compel her appearance.

“My Lord, the defendant is absent despite being duly served… we respectfully apply for a bench warrant,” the prosecutor submitted.

However, defence counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, opposed the request, explaining that Ogala was unable to attend court due to health reasons.

“My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026… she is currently in Abia State recuperating,” he said, adding that an affidavit had been filed to support the claim.

The prosecution challenged the explanation, arguing that it had not been served with the affidavit and had received no prior notice of the defendant’s medical condition.

“The medical report is not from a government hospital… there is no clear means of verifying its authenticity,” Mokuola added.

Court Ruling

In his ruling, Justice Aluko acknowledged procedural lapses by the defence but declined to issue a bench warrant, stating that the defendant should be given the benefit of doubt.

“The defence ought to have properly notified the prosecution and ensured service of the relevant processes,” the court noted.

The judge directed the defendant to produce a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution before the next hearing.

“She is also to be present in court at the next adjourned date for her arraignment,” the judge ruled.

The matter was adjourned to 9 June 2026.

Allegations against the actress

According to the charge, the Federal Government alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, Miss Ogala published indecent images and materials of the complainant on social media without consent, with intent to cause embarrassment and reputational harm.

She is also accused of circulating messages and videos alleging that the cleric committed rape, engaged in ritual practices, and was linked to another person’s death—claims the prosecution described as false and defamatory.

The charges further include allegations of cyberbullying and transmission of false electronic messages aimed at harassment, as well as attempted extortion.

Prosecutors alleged that Actress Ogala threatened to continue publishing damaging content unless she received financial compensation or was provided with a house.

The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, particularly sections relating to cyberstalking, false information dissemination, and online harassment.

The case continues to draw attention to the growing use of cybercrime laws in addressing online conduct, defamation, and digital extortion in Nigeria.