The ongoing legal dispute between Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and cleric Pastor Chris Okafor took a new turn at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday after the actress failed to appear in court for the second consecutive time.
Ogala is facing multiple charges under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act of 2024, including allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, dissemination of false information, and attempted extortion. The prosecution claims the actress published private materials and made defamatory statements online concerning the cleric’s personal life to damage his reputation.
During the court session presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, the defence counsel, N.C. Atulomah requested an adjournment, stating that his client was currently receiving medical treatment at a Federal Medical Centre. He assured the court that she would be present at the next hearing.
However, the prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, expressed scepticism regarding the health claims. He pointed out that the submitted medical report indicated Ogala had already been discharged and was only receiving outpatient care. Mokolu further noted that the actress had recently participated actively in a political party primary election, which raised questions about the severity of her illness.
“I am reluctantly acceding to the counsel’s plea for adjournment,” Mokolu told the court, warning that he would request a bench warrant for the actress’s arrest if she fails to appear at the next scheduled hearing.
The court granted the adjournment to a later date, though the allegations remain unproven claims before the court until the defendant enters a formal plea.
