A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained Nollywood actress Doris Ogala from harassing or intimidating prosecution witnesses, or making electronic publications capable of interfering with her trial over alleged cyberstalking involving Pastor Chris Okafor.
The order was issued by Justice Akintayo Aluko on Friday while granting Ogala bail in the sum of ₦30 million, with two sureties in like sum.
The actress is facing a four-count charge filed by the Federal Government under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. The case is marked FHC/L/220C/2026.
The prosecution alleged that Ogala engaged in unlawful electronic publications involving the cleric between September 2024 and March 2026. The allegations include publishing intimate photographs of Okafor without his consent, circulating information said to be false and damaging, and using electronic communications to bully, threaten and harass him.
She was also accused of attempting to extort property from the pastor by allegedly threatening to continue publishing intimate and menacing materials unless he compensated her or bought her a house.
The prosecution contended that the alleged actions were intended to damage the cleric’s reputation and expose him to public hatred, ridicule and embarrassment.
Ogala applied for bail through an application supported by affidavits filed in October. Prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, opposed the application, raising concerns about the allegations and the possibility that the defendant could interfere with witnesses or the ongoing proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko said the court had to balance Ogala’s constitutional right to liberty with the need to protect prosecution witnesses and preserve the integrity of the trial.
The judge specifically restrained her from making unwarranted electronic publications capable of exposing witnesses to public harassment, ridicule, threats or intimidation.
He warned that such publications could also undermine the proceedings by exposing the trial to distortion or public ridicule.
The court’s decision followed concerns about Ogala’s conduct during proceedings on October 28, when the judge said her behaviour disrupted the sitting and resulted in the adjournment of several cases.
Justice Aluko noted, however, that the actress had apologised to the court over the incident. He also stressed that she remained presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven guilty.
The prosecution had further alleged that Ogala failed to attend earlier proceedings on April 23 and June 9, 2026, citing ill health. It reportedly presented photographs which it said showed her participating in political activities and public gatherings during the period she claimed to be indisposed.
The defence attributed her earlier absence to health challenges and maintained that the offences were bailable. Counsel also argued that Ogala would not commit another offence, interfere with witnesses or evade trial if released.
The court ultimately granted bail but imposed conditions intended to ensure her attendance and prevent interference with the case.
Ogala is required to provide two sureties in the sum of ₦30 million each. One surety must either own a property in Lagos State, with verifiable registration documents certified by the Registrar of Deeds, or be a prominent national officer of a political party or a person of recognised standing.
The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be verified by the court registrar. They are also required to submit tax clearance certificates covering the last three years and two recent passport photographs each.
The actress was further directed to surrender her international passport to the court registrar, enter into a recognisance on oath to be of good behaviour, and refrain from misconduct in the courtroom or its premises throughout the trial.
The judge ordered that she be released from custody once the bail conditions are fulfilled.
The case was adjourned until March 25, 2027, for trial.
The charges against Ogala remain allegations, and the court has not determined her guilt.
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