LAGOS, NIGERIA — The scheduled arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos was stalled on Thursday, April 24, 2026, at 7:10 AM WAT, following the absence of the defendant.
Okay News reports that prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokuola requested that the court issue a bench warrant to compel the presence of the defendant. “My Lord, the defendant is absent despite being duly served with hearing notice,” Mokuola said. “We respectfully apply for a bench warrant to compel her attendance.”
Defence counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini opposed the application, citing health reasons related to a recent surgical procedure. “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.”
Mokuola challenged the defence, arguing that the prosecution had not been served with the affidavit or notified regarding the medical status of the defendant. Justice Akintayo Aluko noted the procedural lapse, stating, “The defence ought to have properly notified the prosecution and ensured service of the relevant processes.”
The court declined the application for a bench warrant, citing the interest of justice. Justice Aluko directed that Ogala produce a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and serve the document to the prosecution. The judge stated, “The defendant shall present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and serve same on the prosecution. She is also to be present in court at the next adjourned date for her arraignment.” The matter was adjourned to June 9, 2026.
Ogala faces a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government regarding the alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor. The charges involve claims of publishing personal materials without consent, dissemination of false information, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion between September 2024 and March 2026. The alleged offences contravene Sections 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)(a), and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
