The arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos was stalled for the second time on Tuesday due to her absence on health grounds. The actress faces charges of cyberstalking and bullying against Pastor Chris Okafor.
Second Absence in Court
This marks the second occasion the actress has failed to appear for her arraignment on charges filed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF). She was also absent on April 24, 2026, when the matter was first scheduled. At that time, her counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, informed the court that she had undergone surgery and assured the court of her appearance at the next adjourned date.
Defense Explanation
During the resumed hearing, the actress was again absent. Defense counsel N.C. Atulomah explained that she was receiving treatment at a Federal Medical Centre. He stated that he had filed two affidavits to support this claim and argued that the prosecution would not suffer any prejudice if the matter was adjourned. He further assured the court that his client would appear whenever the case was rescheduled and requested another adjournment.
Prosecution’s Objection
The prosecutor, Tolulope Mokolu, reluctantly conceded to the adjournment request but raised concerns about the medical report. He noted that the concluding part of the report indicated the defendant had been discharged from the hospital and classified as an outpatient. The prosecutor also pointed out that the actress, who claimed to be ill, was “strong enough to campaign, participate in her state party’s primary election, win and celebrate it, but suddenly became sick when it was time for court.” He warned that if she failed to appear on the next adjourned date, he would seek a bench warrant.
Court Adjournment
After listening to both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until October 28, 2026, for the actress’s arraignment.
Details of Charges
The 34-year-old actress faces charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. These charges include the alleged publication of personal materials belonging to Chris Okafor without his consent. She is also accused of disseminating false and inciting information aimed at incriminating the cleric, as well as cyberbullying, harassment, and attempted extortion.
Alleged Offenses
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly published nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on social media between September 2024 and March 2026 without his consent. The prosecution claims this was done with the intention of causing embarrassment, emotional distress, and reputational harm. Additionally, she is accused of publishing messages, pictures, and video recordings on her Instagram account and other social media platforms containing allegations that the cleric committed rape against his wife, engaged in ritual practices within his church, and was responsible for another person’s death. The charge states that these publications were knowingly false and intended to cause annoyance, intimidation, reputational damage, and public ridicule. The prosecution also alleges that the actress transmitted electronic communications threatening to continue publishing intimate and damaging materials against the cleric unless she was compensated or provided with a house.
