The arraignment of Nigerian actress Doris Ogala at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, was stalled on Thursday after she failed to appear in court for proceedings.
Ogala is facing a four count charge involving alleged cyberbullying, harassment, attempted extortion, and publication of personal materials against the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Chris Okafor.
At the hearing, prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokuola requested a bench warrant for her arrest, arguing that she had been duly served with a hearing notice but failed to attend court.
However, defence counsel Temiloluwa Akindayini opposed the application, informing the court that the actress recently underwent surgery and is currently recuperating in Abia State. The defence also stated that a medical affidavit confirming her condition had already been filed.
The prosecution challenged the claim, arguing that it was not formally served with the medical documents and was not notified in advance about the alleged surgery.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Akintayo Aluko declined to issue a bench warrant but ordered that Ogala must appear in court on the adjourned date set for June 9, 2026.
The judge further directed that she must present a verifiable medical report from a government hospital, which must also be served on the prosecution before the next hearing.
The case stems from allegations that Ogala accused the cleric of wrongdoing and threatened to release damaging information against him, claims that now form part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned as the court awaits her appearance and compliance with its directives.
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