The legal dispute involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and cleric Pastor Chris Okafor has taken a fresh turn after the actress failed to appear in court for the second consecutive time.
The case, currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos, involves multiple charges filed against Ogala under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act of 2024. The allegations include cyberstalking, cyberbullying, dissemination of false information, and attempted extortion.
According to the prosecution, the actress is accused of publishing private materials and making defamatory claims online regarding the cleric’s personal life, with the intention of damaging his reputation.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, Ogala’s counsel, N.C. Atulomah, requested an adjournment. He informed the court that his client was undergoing medical treatment at a Federal Medical Centre and assured that she would be present at the next hearing.
However, the prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, questioned the validity of the health claim. He noted that the medical report presented indicated that Ogala had already been discharged and was only receiving outpatient care. He also pointed out that the actress had recently participated in a political party primary election, raising doubts about the severity of her condition.
“I am reluctantly acceding to the counsel’s plea for adjournment,” Mokolu told the court, warning that he would seek a bench warrant for Ogala’s arrest if she fails to appear at the next hearing.
The court subsequently granted the adjournment to a later date. The allegations against the actress remain unproven until she appears in court to formally respond to the charges.
