By Opeyemi Adelakun
The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala, before the Federal High Court in Lagos was on Tuesday postponed for the second time following her absence from court on health grounds.
Ogala is facing charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion filed against her by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation over claims involving the founder of Grace Nation International, Pastor Chris Okafor.
The matter, which came before Justice Akintayo Aluko, could not proceed after defence counsel, N.C. Atulomah, informed the court that his client was receiving medical treatment at a Federal Medical Centre.
Atulomah told the court that affidavits had been filed in support of an application seeking an adjournment and assured the judge that the actress would be available at the next sitting.
He argued that the prosecution would not suffer any prejudice if the matter was postponed.
However, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, expressed reservations over the request, noting that the medical report presented by the defence indicated that Ogala had already been discharged from hospital and was being treated as an outpatient.
Mokolu also questioned the actress’ claim of ill health, pointing out that she recently participated actively in her state’s party primary election, emerged victorious and publicly celebrated her success.
“I am reluctantly acceding to the counsel’s plea for adjournment in view of what I am seeing for the first time. However, if by the next adjourned date she is not in court, I will be asking for a bench warrant,” the prosecutor warned.
After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the case until October 28, 2026, for Ogala’s arraignment.
This is the second time the actress has failed to appear in court. At the previous hearing on April 24, her former lawyer, Temiloluwa Akindayini, had informed the court that she underwent surgery and was unable to attend proceedings.
According to the charge, Ogala allegedly published intimate photographs, videos and messages relating to Pastor Chris Okafor on social media platforms without his consent between September 2024 and March 2026.
The prosecution further accused her of making false allegations against the cleric, including claims that he raped his wife, engaged in ritual practices and was responsible for another person’s death.
Prosecutors argued that the publications were intended to cause embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational damage to the cleric.
The actress is also accused of using electronic communications to threaten the pastor with further publication of alleged intimate materials unless he compensated her financially or purchased a house for her, an action the prosecution said amounts to attempted extortion under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Ogala has yet to take a plea as her arraignment remains pending before the court.
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