Cyberstalking Case: Proceedings Against Doris Ogala Put on Hold Due to Her Non-Appearance

Proceedings in the trial of actress Doris Ogala, who faces allegations of cyberstalking Pastor Chris Okafor, were halted at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday due to her absence from court for arraignment.

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Ogala is charged with a four-count offense filed by the Federal Government under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024, including the alleged publication of Pastor Chris Okafor's personal materials without consent and dissemination of false information to incriminate him.

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Prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokuola requested a bench warrant to compel Ogala's appearance, citing her failure to attend court despite being served with a hearing notice, and stated that the defendant's absence was unjustified.

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Defence counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini opposed the application, stating that Ogala had undergone surgery on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and was currently recuperating in Abia State, and an affidavit deposing her medical condition had been filed on April 22.

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Akindayini urged the court to refuse the application, emphasizing that Ogala was indisposed and unable to attend court, and that the defence had filed an affidavit to support her medical condition.

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Prosecutor Mokuola responded by faulting the defence for failing to serve the affidavit and for not notifying the prosecution in advance of the alleged surgery, and argued that the hearing notice had provided sufficient time for the defence to inform the court and prosecution.

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Mokuola further challenged the validity of the medical report relied upon by the defence, noting that it was not issued by a government hospital, which is the standard requirement, and questioned the authenticity of the report.

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Justice Akintayo Aluko observed that the defence ought to have properly notified the prosecution and served the relevant processes, and emphasized the importance of proper notification and service of documents.

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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.

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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.

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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, and ordered Ogala to be present in court for her arraignment.

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The matter was adjourned to June 9, 2026, for arraignment, with the Federal Government alleging that Ogala published indecent images and materials of Pastor Chris Okafor on social media without his consent between September 2024 and March 2026.

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The allegations against Ogala include circulating messages and videos alleging that Pastor Chris Okafor committed rape, 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.

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In addition to the other charges, Ogala is also accused of transmitting 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.

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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, in contravention of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024.

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The offences are said to contravene Sections 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)(a), and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024, and the court will hear the case on the adjourned date.