Alleged Cyberstalking: Doris Ogala’s absence stalls trial
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
By Henry Ojelu
Proceedings in the trial of actress Doris Ogala on allegations of cyberstalking Pastor Chris Okafor were stalled on Thursday at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following her absence from court for arraignment.
Read Also: Police invite Pastor Chris Okafor over multiple allegations
Ogala is facing a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, bordering on alleged publication of personal materials of the clergy without his consent, dissemination of false and inciteful information for the sole purpose of incriminating the clergy, cyber bullying and harassment, and attempted extortion.
At the hearing before Justice Akintayo Aluko, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola applied for a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance, citing her failure to attend court despite being served with hearing notice.
“My Lord, the defendant is absent in court despite being duly served. We therefore apply for a bench warrant for her arrest to ensure her presence,” he said.
However, defence counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, opposed the application, informing the court that Ogala had undergone surgery on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and was currently recuperating in Abia State.
He added that an affidavit deposing her medical condition had been filed on April 22 and was before the court.
“My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a medical procedure. She is presently in Abia State recovering and cannot attend court today. We urge the court to refuse the application,” he submitted.
The prosecutor Mokuola in response, faulted the defence for failing to serve the affidavit and for not notifying the prosecution in advance of the alleged surgery.
“My Lord, we were not served with the said affidavit, and no notice was given of any medical condition or scheduled surgery. The hearing notice had eight clear days, which was sufficient to inform both the court and the prosecution,” he submitted.
The prosecutor further challenged the validity of the medical report relied upon by the defence, noting that it was not issued by a government hospital.
“The medical report being relied upon is not from a government hospital, which is the standard requirement. There is no way to verify its authenticity on its face,” he added.
In his remarks, Justice Aluko observed that the defence ought to have properly notified the prosecution and served the relevant processes.
“The defence should have informed the prosecution ahead of time and ensured that the affidavit was duly served,” the judge said.
Despite the observations, the court declined the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant, holding that in the interest of justice, and given that the affidavit was already before it, the defendant should be given the benefit of doubt.
Following the ruling, the prosecution urged the court to direct that any further medical report must be obtained from a government hospital and that the defence should bear responsibility if the defendant fails to appear at the next adjourned date.
“My Lord, we urge the court to mandate a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and hold the defence accountable if the defendant is not present at the next sitting,” the prosecution submitted.
Ruling, Justice Aluko directed the defendant to present a comprehensive and verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure that same is served on the prosecution before the next adjourned date.
“The defendant must present a verifiable report from a government hospital and serve same on the prosecution before the next date. She must also be present in court for her arraignment,” the court held.
The matter was 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 Pastor Chris Okafor on social media without his 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 own wife, engaged in ritual practices, and was responsible for another person’s death—claims the prosecution described as false and intended to intimidate and damage his reputation and extort money from the clergy.
In addition, the defendant is alleged to have transmitted false electronic messages and recordings aimed at harassing and bullying the complainant, with the materials said to have gained traction on blogs and social media platforms.
The fourth count borders on alleged attempted extortion, with the prosecution claiming that Ogala threatened to continue publishing damaging content unless she received financial compensation or was provided with a house.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)(a), and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
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