The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court in Lagos was stalled after she failed to appear for proceedings in a cyberstalking case involving Pastor Chris Okafor.
Ogala is facing a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government bordering on alleged cyberstalking, publication of personal materials without consent, dissemination of false information, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel requested the court to issue a bench warrant for the actress, arguing that she had been duly served with hearing notice but failed to attend.
However, defence counsel told the court that the actress was unable to appear because she underwent surgery two days earlier and was recuperating in Abia State. An affidavit explaining her medical condition was said to have been filed before the court.
Justice Akintayo Aluko declined the request for a bench warrant, stating that in the interest of justice, the defendant should be given the benefit of doubt. The judge, however, directed Ogala to present a comprehensive and verifiable medical report from a government hospital before the next hearing.
The court also ordered that she must be present at the next adjourned sitting scheduled for June 9, 2026, when her arraignment is expected to proceed.
The charges stem from allegations that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala published damaging materials and false claims about the cleric on social media, accusations the prosecution says caused reputational harm.
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