LAGOS — A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered the remand of Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State, Doris Ogala, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.
Ogala was arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a multi-count charge of cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberty and Miracle Ministry. She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Prosecution counsel Tolulope Mokolu told the court that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala allegedly published nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on her social media platforms without his consent, knowing the images could cause him embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational damage.
She was further accused of disseminating false electronic messages, videos and recordings calculated to harass, intimidate and damage the cleric’s reputation, as well as transmitting threats to continue the publications unless he compensated her or bought her a house. The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
Defence counsel N.C. Atulomah applied for her immediate release on bail, arguing that Ogala is a governorship candidate who would not jump bail and would appear for subsequent hearings. The prosecution opposed the request, stating that it was still within the time allowed to respond to the bail application, which had only recently been received.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko held that the defence had not placed sufficient material before the court to justify Ogala’s immediate release. He ordered her remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and directed an accelerated hearing of the bail application, adjourning the matter to October 30, 2026.
The case had previously stalled for two consecutive sittings due to Ogala’s absence. After the ruling, proceedings became disorderly when the actress insisted on addressing the court, leading the judge to rise for the day.
Ogala later alleged on social media that certain public figures were behind her remand, claims that have been dismissed by Okafor’s lawyer. The bail hearing is scheduled for Friday.
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