The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court in Lagos was on Thursday stalled due to her absence in court.
Ogala is facing a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government over alleged cyberstalking of cleric Chris Okafor. The charges include 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 informed the court that the defendant failed to appear despite being duly served with a hearing notice. He subsequently applied for a bench warrant to compel her attendance.
“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 application, explaining that his client was unable to attend due to health reasons. He told the court that Ogala had undergone surgery on April 21 and was currently recuperating in Abia State.
He added that an affidavit had been filed to that effect, though the prosecution argued it had not been served with the document and was not informed ahead of the hearing.
The prosecution also questioned the credibility of the medical report, noting that it did not originate from a government hospital, which it said is the standard requirement for verification.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko acknowledged the procedural lapse by the defence but declined to issue a bench warrant, stating that the interest of justice required granting the defendant the benefit of doubt.
The court, however, directed Ogala to present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution before the next hearing date.
“She is also to be present in court at the next adjourned date for her arraignment,” the judge ruled.
The matter was adjourned to June 9, 2026.
According to the charge, the Federal Government alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, the actress published indecent images and defamatory content about the pastor on social media without consent.
She is also accused of making false allegations, including claims of rape, ritual practices, and involvement in a death—allegations prosecutors described as intended to damage reputation and extort money.
The charges were filed under relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
