Lagos, October 30, 2026 – Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State, Doris Ogala, on Friday broke down in tears and knelt before a Federal High Court judge in Lagos, pleading for forgiveness over her disruptive behaviour during an earlier court sitting.
Ogala appeared before Justice Akintayo Aluko in connection with charges of alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor. She had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre since her arraignment on Wednesday.
When the judge addressed her previous conduct, Ogala left the dock, walked to the front of the court, knelt down and began pleading while in tears.
“My lord, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I did not mean to disrespect this honourable court,” she was heard saying.
She continued: “I am very sorry, my Lord. I apologise for my bad behaviour. I have never been to prison before and I wasn’t expecting that I would do that. I regret my actions and I apologise to my Lord. I tender my apologies wholeheartedly. Sorry, this will never happen again going forward.”
The outburst on Wednesday occurred after the court ordered her remand. Ogala allegedly shouted and sang in the courtroom, forcing the judge to rise and preventing the hearing of more than seven other cases scheduled for that day.
Justice Aluko described her actions as a serious affront to the court. He said he had considered committing her for contempt but restrained himself, noting that the conduct could have attracted at least two months’ imprisonment.
“Why do you have to start shouting and start singing in the open court? You conducted yourself in a manner that forced the court to rise. That’s what you did, and it’s already recorded,” the judge said. He added that he had ordered accelerated hearing of the matter, only for the court to be met with chaos.
The courtroom scene caused momentary confusion as lawyers, litigants and journalists strained to observe the drama. The judge later urged her to rise, stand up and allow her counsel to handle proceedings, emphasising that the court was not a place for theatrics.
Her lead counsel, Marshall Abubakar, also apologised on her behalf, describing the incident as regrettable and inconsistent with her character. He urged the court to grant her bail on the most liberal terms or on self-recognisance, arguing that she was a public figure who should be allowed to continue her activities while defending the charges.
Despite the apologies, Justice Aluko reserved ruling on the bail application until November 6, 2026. Ogala was ordered to remain in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the decision.
The case continues…
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