The absence of Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala on health grounds yesterday stalled her arraignment before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged cyberstalking and bullying of Pastor Chris Okafor.

This is the second time the actress has failed to appear in court for her arraignment on charges filed against her by the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF).

She was also absent on April 24, 2026, when the matter first came up before the court. At the time, her counsel, Temiloluwa Akindayini, informed the court that she had undergone surgery.

The lawyer had assured the court that he would ensure her appearance at the next adjourned date. However, at the resumed hearing yesterday, Doris Ogala was again absent, much to the displeasure of the DPPF, represented by Tolulope Mokolu.

When the defence counsel, N.C. Atulomah, was asked about his client’s whereabouts, he informed the court that she was receiving treatment at a Federal Medical Centre.

The lawyer told the court that he had filed two affidavits to support his claims, adding that the prosecution would not suffer any prejudice if the matter was adjourned.

He further assured the court that his client would appear whenever the matter was adjourned and consequently prayed for another adjournment.

Responding, the prosecutor informed the court that he would reluctantly concede to the request for adjournment. He drew the court’s attention to the concluding part of the medical report submitted by the defendant, stating that she had already been discharged from the hospital and categorised as an outpatient.

The prosecutor also informed the court that the defendant, who claimed to be ill, was “strong enough to campaign, participate in her state party’s primary election, win and celebrate it, but suddenly became sick when it was time for court.”

“I am reluctantly acceding to counsel’s plea for adjournment in view of what I am just seeing for the first time. If by the next adjourned date she is not in court, I will be asking for a bench warrant,” the prosecutor said.

Following submissions by both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter till October 28, 2026, for the actress’ arraignment.

The 34-year-old actress is facing charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, bordering on the alleged publication of personal materials belonging to Chris Okafor without his consent.

She was also accused of disseminating false and inciting information allegedly aimed at incriminating the cleric, as well as cyberbullying, harassment, and attempted extortion.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly published nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on social media between September 2024 and March 2026 without his consent, with the intention of causing embarrassment, emotional distress, and reputational harm.

The prosecution further alleged that she published messages, pictures, and video recordings on her Instagram account and other social media platforms containing allegations that the cleric committed rape against his wife, engaged in ritual practices within his church, and was responsible for another person’s death.

The charge stated that the publications were knowingly false and intended to cause annoyance, intimidation, reputational damage, and public ridicule.

The prosecution also alleged that the actress transmitted electronic communications threatening to continue publishing intimate and damaging materials against the cleric unless she was compensated or provided with a house.