News

Chris Okafor: Actress Doris Ogala’s absence stalls trial

The arraignment of Nigerian actress, Doris Ogala, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has been stalled due to her absence in court.

Ogala is facing a four-count charge bordering on publication of personal materials of the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, cyberbullying and harassment, attempted extortion, and dissemination of inciting and false information to incriminate the cleric.

At the hearing on Thursday, Tolulope Mokuola, the prosecuting counsel, applied for a bench warrant to compel Ogala’s appearance, citing her failure to attend despite being served with a hearing notice.

Opposing the application, Temiloluwa Akindayini, the defence counsel, told the court that Ogala underwent surgery on Tuesday and is currently recuperating in Abia State.

Akindayini added that an affidavit deposing Ogala’s medical condition was filed before the court on April 22, 2026.

In response, the prosecutor faulted the defence for not serving the affidavit and for not notifying the prosecution in advance of the alleged surgery.

However, in his ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko declined the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant and directed that the actress must be present in court for arraignment on June 9, 2026, the adjournment date.

“The defendant must present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital and ensure that the same is served on the prosecution before the next adjourned date. Also, the defendant must be present in court for arraignment,” the judge said.

DAILY POST recalls that the actress had accused the clergyman of criminal activities and threatened to release scandalous evidence against him.