Doris Ogala Absent in Court as FG Pushes Cyberstalking Case, Judge Gives Strict Condition to Lawyer
- Actress Doris Ogala failed to appear at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday for her planned arraignment on a 4-count charge involving an alleged cyberstalking of a popular pastor
- Her defence lawyer informed the presiding judge that the actress recently underwent a medical surgery and is currently resting in Abia State, which stopped her from making a court appearance
- The prosecuting counsel strongly demanded a bench warrant for her arrest, but the judge rejected the request and instead gave a very strict condition for her legal team to meet
The Federal Government's four-count cyberstalking case against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala was expected to officially begin on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
However, her notable absence completely stalled the planned arraignment, as her legal team cited her recent surgical procedure.
Source: Instagram
Doris Ogala faces charges bordering on the alleged cyberstalking of Pastor Chris Okafor.
The accusations include publishing personal materials without consent, disseminating false information, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion.
Prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokuola pointed out that the actress was absent from the Thursday session.
He applied for a bench warrant, telling Justice Akintayo Aluko that the defendant ignored official notices, as reported by Punch.
"We respectfully apply for a bench warrant to compel her attendance," the prosecutor stated.
Defence cites health reasons
Defence counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini firmly opposed the application by explaining his client's sudden health challenges.
He informed the court that the actress had undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026.
Akindayini explained she was recuperating in Abia State, making it impossible to attend the hearing. He confirmed that an affidavit detailing these facts was already filed before the Honourable Court.
"My Lord, the defendant is indisposed, having undergone a surgical procedure on April 21, 2026," Akindayini added.
Prosecution rejects private medical report
The prosecuting counsel faulted the defence team for not giving prior notice regarding her health.
Tolulope Mokuola argued that the hearing notice gave the defence enough time to inform the prosecution.
He further questioned the medical report because it did not originate from a government hospital.
The prosecutor strongly argued that relying on a private hospital meant there was absolutely no clear and acceptable means of thoroughly verifying the submitted document's authenticity.
"The medical report is not from a government hospital, which is the standard requirement," Mokuola added.
Judge sets strict conditions for next adjournment
The presiding judge, Justice Aluko, pointed out the procedural lapse regarding the unserved documents by the defence team.
The judge stated that the defence ought to have properly notified the prosecution of these processes.
Still, the court declined the bench warrant to give the absent defendant the benefit of the doubt.
Justice Aluko then directed the defendant to produce a verifiable report from a public hospital.
"The defendant shall present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and serve same," the judge ruled.
The actress must be physically present in court at the next sitting.
The matter was consequently adjourned to June 9, 2026, to allow the actress to recover fully and appear for her formal arraignment before the judge.
Source: Instagram
Doris Ogala reacts to Tonto Dikeh's confession
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Doris Ogala reacted to a viral video where Tonto Dikeh confessed to practising witchcraft before finding salvation.
Ogala claimed she suffered greatly and lost everything she worked for because of her close friendship with the actress.
She added that people thought she was crazy when she previously accused Dikeh of trying to lure her into dark practices.
Source: Legit.ng
