Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has apologised to a Federal High Court in Lagos over her disruptive conduct during an earlier sitting, as the court reserved ruling on her bail application until November 6, 2026.
Ogala, who is facing charges of alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor, knelt before Justice Akintayo Aluko on Friday and promised not to repeat the conduct.
She expressed remorse over the incident, during which she allegedly shouted and sang in the courtroom on Wednesday, forcing the judge to suspend proceedings. Justice Aluko said the disruption prevented the court from hearing more than seven other cases scheduled for that day.
The judge said he had considered committing Ogala for contempt but decided against it. He also expressed disappointment that the incident occurred despite his efforts to ensure the bail application was heard within 48 hours.
Ogala’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, also apologised to the court before urging the judge to grant his client bail. He argued that the prosecution’s counter-affidavit indicated it was not opposed to her release but wanted strict conditions imposed.
However, prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, urged the court to impose stringent bail conditions, citing concerns that Ogala’s social media activities could influence witnesses or interfere with the trial. He also sought restrictions on her contact with witnesses and publications capable of affecting the proceedings.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Aluko adjourned the ruling until November 6. Ogala was subsequently returned to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.
The actress was arraigned on Wednesday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on three counts relating to alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion. The prosecution alleged that the offences occurred between September 2024 and March 2026, including the publication of nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on social media without his consent. Ogala pleaded not guilty.
Speaking after Friday’s proceedings, Abubakar said he would petition the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to withdraw the charges. He described the dispute as a private matter between former lovers and argued that it should not have been criminalised.
The lawyer also criticised the use of the Cybercrimes Act in cases involving alleged online defamation, insisting that individuals who believe their reputations have been damaged should seek redress through civil proceedings. He maintained that the prosecution raised concerns about freedom of expression and fundamental rights.
