The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court in Lagos was on Thursday delayed following her absence in court.
Ogala is expected to face a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government over alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor, including accusations of publishing private materials without consent, spreading false information, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion.
During proceedings before Justice Akintayo Aluko, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola, informed the court that the defendant was absent and requested a bench warrant to compel her appearance.
“My Lord, the defendant is absent despite being duly served with hearing notice,” Mokuola submitted. “We respectfully apply for a bench warrant to compel her attendance.”
In response, defence counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, told the court that his client could not attend due to health reasons, stating that she had undergone surgery two days earlier.
“My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026,” he said.
“She is currently in Abia State recuperating. An affidavit to that effect has been filed before this Honourable Court,” Akindayini added.
However, the prosecution faulted the defence for failing to serve the affidavit and not informing them ahead of the hearing.
“My Lord, we were not served with the affidavit, and no prior notice was given regarding any medical condition,” Mokuola argued.
“The hearing notice provided sufficient time to inform both the court and the prosecution,” he said.
He also questioned the credibility of the medical report presented by the defence.
“The medical report is not from a government hospital, which is the standard requirement,” he added. “There is no clear means of verifying its authenticity.”
Justice Aluko noted the procedural lapse by the defence but declined to issue a bench warrant, stating that the interest of justice required giving the defendant the benefit of doubt since the affidavit was already before the court.
The prosecution then urged the court to ensure that any future medical report comes from a government hospital and that the defence be held accountable if the defendant fails to appear at the next hearing.
“My Lord, we urge the court to insist on a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and to hold the defence responsible if the defendant is absent at the next sitting,” Mokuola submitted.
Ruling on the matter, the judge directed the defendant to provide a detailed and verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution before the next hearing.
“The defendant shall present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and serve same on the prosecution,” the court held.
“She is also to be present in court at the next adjourned date for her arraignment,” the judge added.
The case was subsequently adjourned to June 9, 2026, for arraignment.
According to the charge, the Federal Government alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala shared indecent images and materials of the complainant online without consent, intending to cause embarrassment and reputational harm.
She is also accused of circulating messages and videos alleging that the cleric committed rape against his wife, engaged in ritual practices, and was linked to another person’s death—claims the prosecution described as false and intended to intimidate, damage reputation, and extort money.
The prosecution further alleged that she transmitted false electronic messages aimed at harassing and bullying the complainant, with the content spreading across blogs and social media platforms.
The fourth charge relates to attempted extortion, with claims that she threatened to continue publishing damaging content unless she received financial compensation or was given a house.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.