Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday were halted after the planned arraignment of actress Doris Ogala could not proceed, following her absence in court.
Ogala is facing a four-count charge brought by the Federal Government over alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor, with accusations including the publication of private materials without consent, dissemination of false information, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion.
When the case came before Justice Akintayo Aluko, prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokuola informed the court that the defendant was not present despite being duly served with a hearing notice. The prosecution consequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant to secure her appearance.
According to Mokuola, “My Lord, the defendant is absent despite being duly served with hearing notice,” adding that a warrant of arrest should be issued to compel her attendance.
However, defence counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini opposed the application, explaining that Ogala’s absence was due to medical reasons. He told the court that she had undergone surgery two days earlier and was currently recuperating in Abia State.
“My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026,” he said, adding that an affidavit confirming her condition had already been filed before the court.
He further maintained that Ogala’s medical situation made it impossible for her to attend the proceedings.
The prosecution, however, challenged the explanation, arguing that the affidavit had not been served on their office and that no prior notification was given regarding any medical condition.
Mokuola also questioned the authenticity of the medical documentation presented by the defence, stating that it was not issued by a government hospital, which he described as the expected standard for verification.
“There is no clear means of verifying its authenticity,” he told the court.
In his response, Justice Aluko noted procedural lapses on the part of the defence, observing that proper communication and service of documents ought to have been made to the prosecution.
Despite the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant, the court declined the application, stating that the interest of justice required that the defendant be given the benefit of doubt, particularly in light of the affidavit already before it.
The prosecution subsequently urged the court to ensure that any future medical report be issued by a government hospital and that the defence be held accountable should Ogala fail to appear at the next hearing.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Aluko directed that the defendant must produce a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution before the next adjourned date.
The court further ordered that Ogala must be present for her arraignment at the next sitting.
The case was adjourned to June 9, 2026, for arraignment.
Court documents indicate that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala allegedly published indecent images and materials concerning the complainant on social media without consent, with intent to cause embarrassment and reputational harm.
She is also accused of circulating videos and messages alleging that the cleric committed rape against his wife, engaged in ritual practices, and was responsible for another person’s death—claims the prosecution described as false and capable of damaging reputation and intimidating the complainant.
Further allegations include cyberbullying and transmission of false electronic messages that reportedly gained traction across blogs and social media platforms.
On the fourth count, the prosecution alleged attempted extortion, claiming Ogala threatened to continue publishing damaging content unless she received financial compensation or a house.
The charges are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.