Counsel to Pastor Chris Okafor, Mr Ife Ajayi, has criticised activist Omoyele Sowore and others for what he described as sentimental support for Nollywood actress Doris Ogala amid her ongoing cyberbullying trial.

Ajayi argued that freedom of expression did not give anyone the licence to make false or malicious allegations against another person, insisting that the exercise of fundamental rights must be guided by the law.

He spoke while reacting to comments by Sowore and Ogala over alleged injustice in the criminal proceedings against the actress.

The lawyer maintained that the case should not be reduced to a personal disagreement or subjected to public sentiments, but considered within the context of the alleged violations of his client’s rights.

He urged members of the public to obtain and examine the charges against Ogala before taking positions on the matter, warning against endorsing allegations that had yet to be established through the judicial process.

Ajayi described the alleged conduct of the actress as deliberate and capable of inciting the public against his client, adding that the claims should be subjected to legal scrutiny rather than public judgment.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, he said he expected the court to determine the matter based on the evidence presented, including print, audio and video materials.

“I am 100 per cent optimistic that the court will do what is right. The court, in all fairness, even after the defendant’s lawyer pleaded with it to release her on bail and offered to take responsibility for her conduct, gave the prosecution 48 hours to respond,” he said.

Ajayi also questioned Ogala’s conduct during court proceedings, alleging that her outburst and disruption of proceedings raised concerns about her willingness to comply with bail conditions.

He argued that the incident could make it difficult for even her counsel to guarantee her conduct if she were released on bail.

The lawyer stressed that courtrooms were governed by established rules and that parties appearing before the court were expected to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for judicial authority.

“You cannot behave disrespectfully at a police station or anywhere else and expect to do the same in a court of law. The court is where logic and legal accountability prevail,” he said.

He further called on the National Assembly to consider introducing stricter legislation to address the practice of publicly calling out individuals over private disputes, particularly where such actions could damage reputations or infringe on the rights of others.

According to him, individuals with personal grievances should seek redress through appropriate legal channels instead of resorting to public accusations and campaigns.

“The law is not about emotion or sentiment. It is about logic and legal accountability. It is a place where people are held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” Ajayi said.

He urged the public to refrain from treating allegations arising from the dispute as established facts, maintaining that the court remained the appropriate institution to determine the issues before it.