Doris Ogala
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala went down on her knees at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, October 30, 2026, to apologise for the shouting and singing that disrupted her first court appearance two days earlier. Despite the apology, she will spend at least another week at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, after Justice Akintayo Aluko reserved ruling on her bail application until November 6, 2026.
The actress is standing trial over alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry and her former partner. The case is the latest chapter in a long and very public feud between the two.
What Happened in Court on Friday
When the case was called, Ogala knelt before the judge and asked for forgiveness for her behaviour at Wednesday’s sitting.
“I am very sorry, my Lord. I apologise for my bad behaviour,” she told the court, according to multiple reports from the courtroom.
She added that she had never been to prison before and did not expect to end up in custody. “Sorry, this will never happen again going forward,” she said.
Judge: She Could Have Been Jailed for Contempt
Justice Aluko did not hide his disappointment. He said Ogala’s outburst on Wednesday forced the court to rise and stopped more than seven other scheduled cases from being heard that day.
“Why do you have to start shouting and start singing in the open court?” the judge asked.
He revealed that he had considered committing her for contempt, an offence he said could have earned her at least two months in prison. “She should have been given some form of imprisonment, right, on that day, but I kept my cool and I rose,” he said.
The judge also faulted her lawyer for not acknowledging the incident at the start of the bail arguments. He noted that he had ordered an accelerated hearing so the bail application could be heard within 48 hours.
The Charges Against Doris Ogala
Ogala was arraigned on Wednesday, October 28, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on three counts bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded at Kirikiri.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences took place between September 2024 and March 2026. Prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokolu told the court that Ogala published intimate photographs of Pastor Okafor on her social media accounts without his consent, causing him embarrassment, emotional distress and damage to his reputation.
Quick Facts
- Defendant: Nollywood actress Doris Ogala
- Complainant: Pastor Chris Okafor
- Court: Federal High Court, Lagos – Justice Akintayo Aluko
- Charges: Three counts – cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion
- Plea: Not guilty
- Arraignment: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Apology in court: Friday, October 30, 2026
- Bail ruling: November 6, 2026
- Current status: In custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre
Defence Calls It a ‘Private Dispute Between Former Lovers’
Ogala’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, also apologised to the court and said the outburst was out of character for his client.
Arguing for bail, he pointed out that the prosecution’s own counter-affidavit proposed bail conditions, which he said showed it was not opposed to her release. He urged the court not to impose conditions that are too strict.
Abubakar described the case as a private matter between former lovers and said he would petition the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to withdraw the charges. He argued that complaints about defamation belong in a civil court, not a criminal one.
“The idea of criminalising free speech in this country has been contemptuous,” he told the court. He also referred to Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, saying it had been declared unconstitutional in court judgments and was later amended in 2024.
Prosecution Wants Tough Bail Conditions
The prosecution, for its part, asked for strict conditions if bail is granted. Mokolu said Ogala’s social media activity could influence witnesses and interfere with the case, while acknowledging that her right to free speech is protected but not absolute.
She asked the court to restrict Ogala’s contact with witnesses, bar her from posts that could sway witnesses or the proceedings, and attach sanctions to any breach.
Sowore Reacts
Activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the actress’s remand, as reported by Legit.ng. He described it as an abuse of state power and accused the police of repeatedly using the Cybercrimes Act to protect powerful people. Sowore argued that the matter is a private dispute and urged the judiciary not to become a tool of religious or personal influence.
On social media, reactions have been split. Some fans have prayed for the actress and called for her release, while others have criticised her conduct in court.
Background: The Doris Ogala and Chris Okafor Feud
The dispute between the actress and the cleric became one of the biggest stories in Nollywood circles in December 2025. Ogala publicly called out Okafor, her ex-partner, and was reportedly arrested days later before regaining her freedom.
In a dramatic twist on December 28, 2025, Okafor knelt before his congregation during a Sunday sermon and apologised to Ogala and other women he said he had offended. Ogala accepted the apology but rejected his claim that the allegations against him were false, saying, “I don’t lie.” Okafor later withdrew the apology, saying he made it under pressure.
The case is one of several high-profile legal battles involving entertainers this year, from Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli’s legal action over claims linked to Toluwanisings’ death, to singer Skales’ clash with the EFCC.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on November 6, 2026, when Justice Aluko is expected to rule on whether Doris Ogala will be released on bail and under what conditions. Until then, the actress remains at Kirikiri as one of Nollywood’s most talked-about legal battles continues to unfold.
Source: TheNigeriaLawyer
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