The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court in Lagos was on Thursday, April 23, 2026, stalled due to her absence in court.
Ogala was scheduled to be arraigned on a four count charge filed by the Federal Government bordering on alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor, including claims of publishing personal materials without consent, dissemination of false information, cyberbullying and attempted extortion.
At the proceedings before Justice Akintayo Aluko, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola, drew the court’s attention to the absence of the defendant and applied for the issuance of a bench warrant.
“My Lord, the defendant is absent despite being duly served with hearing notice,” Mokuola submitted. “We respectfully apply for a bench warrant to compel her attendance.”
In opposition, defence counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, informed the court that his client was unable to attend due to health reasons, stating that she had undergone surgery two days earlier.
“My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026,” he said, adding that she is currently in Abia State recuperating and that an affidavit to that effect had been filed before the court.
Responding, the prosecutor faulted the defence for failing to serve the said affidavit and for not notifying the prosecution ahead of the hearing.
“My Lord, we were not served with the affidavit, and no prior notice was given regarding any medical condition,” Mokuola argued, adding that the hearing notice provided sufficient time to inform both the court and the prosecution.
He also questioned the authenticity of the medical report relied upon by the defence, noting that it was not issued by a government hospital, which he described as the standard requirement, and lacked clear means of verification.
In his remarks, Justice Aluko noted the procedural lapse on the part of the defence, stating that the prosecution ought to have been properly notified and served with relevant processes.
The court, however, declined the application for a bench warrant, holding that the interest of justice required that the defendant be given the benefit of doubt, particularly as the affidavit was already before the court.
Following this, the prosecution urged the court to mandate that any subsequent medical report be issued by a government hospital and that the defence be held accountable should the defendant fail to appear at the next adjourned date.
Ruling on the issue, Justice Aluko directed the defendant to produce a comprehensive and verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution before the next hearing. He also ordered that she must be present in court at the next adjourned date for her arraignment.
The matter was consequently adjourned to June 9, 2026, for arraignment.
According to the charge, the Federal Government alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, 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 against his wife, engaged in ritual practices and was responsible for another person’s death, allegations the prosecution described as false and intended to intimidate, damage reputation and extort money.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant transmitted false electronic messages and recordings aimed at harassing and bullying the complainant, with the materials said to have gained traction across blogs and social media platforms.
The fourth count borders on alleged attempted extortion, with claims that the defendant threatened to continue publishing damaging content unless she received financial compensation or was provided with a house.
The alleged offences are said to contravene relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
