Court Threatens Doris Ogala With Arrest Over Absence in Pastor Okafor Case

The Federal High Court in Lagos has warned that Nollywood actress Doris Ogala could face arrest if she fails to appear at the next sitting in her ongoing legal battle involving cleric Pastor Chris Okafor.

The warning came after the actress was absent from court for the second consecutive time, delaying her planned arraignment over allegations brought against her by the Federal Government.

Ogala is facing charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Administration) Amendment Act, 2024. The case centres on allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, spreading false information and attempted extortion linked to online publications concerning the founder of Grace Nation International Church.

At the hearing before Justice Akintayo Aluko, counsel to the actress, N.C. Atulomah, told the court that his client was receiving medical treatment at a Federal Medical Centre. He appealed for more time and assured the court that she would attend the next hearing.

The prosecution, led by Tolulope Mokolu, however, questioned the explanation. He argued that documents before the court showed that the actress had already been discharged from the hospital and was only on outpatient treatment.

The prosecution also pointed out that Ogala was recently seen taking part in a political party primary election, raising doubts about claims that her health prevented her from appearing in court.

While agreeing to the request for an adjournment, Mokolu maintained that the prosecution would seek a bench warrant if the actress failed to honour the next court date.

The court subsequently granted the application for adjournment and fixed another date for the matter to continue.

The charges against the actress have not been determined, and she is yet to enter a formal plea before the court.