The planned arraignment of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion against Pastor Chris Okafor suffered another setback on Tuesday after she failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Lagos due to health concerns.
Ogala’s absence marks the second time proceedings have been stalled since the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation filed charges against her.
At the first hearing on April 24, 2026, before Justice Akintayo Aluko, her then-counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, informed the court that the actress had undergone surgery and was medically unfit to attend. The court was assured that she would be available at the next sitting.
However, when the matter was called again on Tuesday, Ogala was not in court. Her lawyer, N.C. Atulomah, explained that she was receiving treatment at a Federal Medical Centre and had instructed him to seek an adjournment.
According to Atulomah, two affidavits were filed in support of the request. He argued that delaying the proceedings would not disadvantage the prosecution and assured the court that his client would attend the next hearing.
The prosecution, represented by Tolulope Mokolu, reluctantly agreed to the application but questioned the basis of the request. Mokolu pointed out that the medical report submitted by the defence showed Ogala had already been discharged from the hospital and was being treated as an outpatient.
He also challenged the claim that her health condition prevented her from attending court, noting that she recently took part in her party’s primary election, campaigned vigorously, emerged victorious and publicly celebrated the win.
“I am reluctantly acceding to the counsel’s plea for adjournment in view of what I am seeing for the first time. However, if by the next adjourned date she is not in court, I will be asking for a bench warrant,” Mokolu said.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Aluko granted the adjournment and fixed October 28, 2026, for Ogala’s arraignment.
