Court grants Doris Ogala N30m bail in cyberstalking case

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted actress Doris Ogala bail of N30m with two sureties in the same amount. This is in connection with allegations of cyberstalking and other offences involving Pastor Chris Okafor.

Justice Akintayo Aluko gave the bail on Friday, October 27, 2026. He ordered Ogala to hand over her international passport to the court registrar. He also told her not to make any online posts that could intimidate or harass prosecution witnesses.

While ruling, the judge noted that he had to balance Ogala’s right to freedom with the need to protect witnesses and keep the trial fair. He said, "I have taken all of the above into account in a bid to attach conditions that will guarantee or ensure the defendant’s attendance in court for her trial, and the need to protect the witnesses of the prosecution from harassment, threat or intimidation."

Justice Aluko was worried about Ogala’s actions during the court session on October 28, 2026. He said her behaviour disrupted the sitting and led to an emergency adjournment of 10 cases. He remarked, "By her misconduct and conduct in the open court, when she disrupted proceedings and caused a series of adjournments without any justification on the 28th of October, 2026, the defendant has exposed herself as a person capable of fomenting trouble when she is outside the courtroom."

The judge did recognize that Ogala had apologized for her actions. He added, "That notwithstanding, the defendant is still presumed innocent by the provision of the Constitution."

He also took into account the prosecution's fears that Ogala might use her social media to intimidate or harass witnesses. He stated, "Any unwarranted electronic publication capable of exposing the prosecuting witnesses to public harassment, ridicule, threat or intimidation, which is equally capable of exposing the proceedings of the court to ridicule and distortion, is accordingly restrained and disallowed."

Additionally, Justice Aluko ordered Ogala to swear an oath to behave well and avoid misconduct in the courtroom or its surroundings during the trial. Ogala had applied for bail on October 26 and filed the application the next day, based on Section 35(5) of the Constitution and Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In opposing the bail request, the prosecution claimed that Ogala had missed previous court dates on April 23 and June 9, 2026, citing health issues. They presented pictures showing her at political events, public gatherings, and protests during the time she said she was unwell.

The prosecution argued that the case involved Ogala using social media to share evidence that could affect witnesses. The defence insisted that the charges were bailable. They argued that Ogala would not commit more offences, disturb witnesses, or avoid trial if released.

The defence explained her earlier absences were due to health problems and asked the judge to allow her bail so she could prepare for trial and pursue her governorship dreams. In deciding on the bail request, Justice Aluko referred to Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which allows bail except in certain situations, like if there is a risk of committing more offences, skipping trial, or interfering with investigations.

The judge also mentioned a Supreme Court case that set out how judges should handle bail requests. He said, "The main function of bail is to ensure the presence of the accused at trial. That is the touchstone of all the criteria."

Justice Aluko noted that the court must use its discretion wisely based on the facts. He eventually ruled that the bail application should be granted for justice's sake.

As part of the bail conditions, Ogala must provide two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must either own property in Lagos State, with proof of registration, or be a prominent national officer of her political party or a respected individual. The sureties must have reliable means, live within the court's area, and be checked by the court registrar.

They also need to submit tax clearance for the last three years and two recent passport photos each. The judge emphasized that Ogala must surrender her international passport to the court registrar. He instructed that she should be released once she meets the bail conditions.

Earlier, when the case was called, Doris Ogala was not present. Her lawyer told the court she was receiving treatment at a hospital. Ogala’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, explained, "The defendant is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital in Ajegunle following a gynaecological surgery, which has resulted in bleeding."