Proceedings in the planned arraignment of Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala, were stalled at the Federal High Court, Lagos, after her legal team moved to halt the process, citing a last-minute medical emergency.
Ogala, who is facing a four-count charge by the Federal Government over alleged cyberstalking of cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, was absent in court when the case came up before Justice Akintayo Aluko.
Prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokuola, had urged the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest, arguing that the defendant failed to appear despite being served with a hearing notice well ahead of the arraignment.
However, defence counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, opposed the move, informing the court that his client underwent surgery earlier in the week and is currently recuperating in Abia State.
He added that an affidavit to that effect was filed on April 22.
The prosecution challenged the defence’s position, accusing it of stalling proceedings by failing to serve the affidavit and withholding prior notice of the alleged surgery.
Mokuola further questioned the credibility of the medical report presented, noting that it was not issued by a government hospital and could not be independently verified.
Justice Aluko also faulted the defence for procedural lapses, observing that the prosecution ought to have been duly informed and served with all relevant documents before the hearing date.
Despite the objections, the court declined to grant the bench warrant, opting instead to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt in view of the affidavit already before it.
The judge, however, warned against further delays and directed the defence to regularise its processes.
He ordered that Ogala must produce a comprehensive and verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure it is served on the prosecution ahead of the next hearing.
He also mandated her personal appearance in court at the next adjourned date.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 9, 2026, for arraignment.
According to the charge, the Federal Government alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala published indecent materials of Okafor without consent, alongside false and inciting claims including allegations of rape, ritual practices, and involvement in a death.
The prosecution further accused her of cyberbullying, harassment, and attempting to extort money and property by threatening to continue publishing damaging content.
The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Reporting By Wahab Akinlade