The scheduled arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala before the Federal High Court in Lagos was stalled on Thursday following her absence from the proceedings.

Ogala faces a four-count charge initiated by the Federal Government involving alleged cyberstalking, attempted extortion, and the dissemination of false information directed at Pastor Chris Okafor.

Procedural Arguments and Bench Warrant Request

During the session presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, the prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola, noted the defendant's absence despite the formal service of a hearing notice. Consequently, Mokuola moved an application for a bench warrant to compel her appearance.

In response, defense counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini opposed the application, citing health complications. Akindayini informed the court that Ogala had undergone surgery on April 21, 2026, and was currently recuperating in Abia State. He noted that an affidavit confirming her medical status had been filed with the court.

The prosecution challenged this claim, arguing that they had not been served with the affidavit nor notified of the defendant's condition prior to the hearing. Furthermore, Mokuola questioned the validity of the medical documentation.

"The medical report is not from a government hospital, which is the standard requirement," Mokuola stated. "There is no clear means of verifying its authenticity."

Court Ruling and Directives

Justice Aluko acknowledged a procedural lapse by the defense regarding the failure to serve the prosecution. However, the court exercised discretion in the interest of justice, declining to issue a bench warrant at this stage to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt.

The court subsequently issued the following directives:

• The defendant must provide a comprehensive and verifiable medical report from a government-owned hospital.

• The defense must ensure the prosecution is formally served with the medical report ahead of the next hearing.

• The defendant is mandated to be present in court for her arraignment at the next adjourned date.

The matter has been adjourned to June 9, 2026.

Summary of Charges

According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government alleges that between September 2024 and March 2026, Doris Ogala engaged in the following:

• Unauthorized Publication: Disseminating indecent images and personal materials of the complainant on social media to cause reputational harm.

• Defamation and Cyberbullying: Circulating videos and messages alleging the cleric was involved in rape, ritual practices, and a suspicious death—claims the prosecution describes as false and intended to intimidate.

• Attempted Extortion: Allegedly threatening to continue the publication of damaging content unless she received financial compensation or a house.

The alleged offenses contravene multiple subsections of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.