Doris Ogala’s cybercrime case is delayed again after she fails to appear in court, with prosecutors considering a bench warrant for arrest

Nigerian actress Doris Ogala’s arraignment over alleged cybercrime offences involving cleric Pastor Chris Okafor was stalled once again on Tuesday after she failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Lagos for the second consecutive hearing.

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Doris Ogala cybercrime case delay unfolded before Justice Akintayo Aluko, where the Federal Government is prosecuting the actress under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024 over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, dissemination of false information and attempted extortion.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel N.C. Atulomah requested an adjournment, informing the court that Ogala was receiving treatment at a Federal Medical Centre and would be fit to attend the next hearing.

However, prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokolu challenged the explanation, telling the court that available medical records indicated she had already been discharged and was only receiving outpatient care. He further noted that Ogala had recently participated in a political party primary election.

“I am reluctantly acceding to the counsel’s plea for adjournment,” Mokolu said, while warning that he would seek a bench warrant should the actress fail to appear at the next sitting.

Justice Aluko subsequently granted the adjournment but did not fix a final outcome, leaving the matter pending.

Court filings show that the Federal Government’s four count charge stems from a police investigation reviewed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation. The allegations cover actions said to have taken place between September 2024 and March 2026, including the publication of private materials relating to Pastor Chris Okafor and attempts to extort him.

The dispute is linked to a prolonged public fallout between Ogala and the cleric, who leads Grace Nation International, formerly Liberation City. Earlier court orders had already restricted both parties from making public statements on the matter pending a civil suit.

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The criminal proceedings, first scheduled in April, have now been postponed twice due to Ogala’s absence from court.