Susan Abayomi
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has apologised to a Federal High Court in Lagos over her conduct during an earlier sitting, but will remain in custody after the court adjourned its ruling on her bail application until November 6, 2026.
Ogala appeared before Justice Akintayo Aluko on Friday, October 30, where she expressed regret over the courtroom disruption that occurred during her previous appearance.
The actress reportedly knelt before the judge and apologised for her behaviour, promising that such an incident would not happen again.
“I am very sorry, my Lord. I apologise for my bad behaviour. I have never been to prison before, and I wasn’t expecting that I would do that. I regret my actions and I apologise to my Lord. I tender my apologies wholeheartedly. Sorry, this will never happen again going forward,” she said.
Her apology followed an incident during Wednesday’s proceedings, when she allegedly shouted and sang in the courtroom, forcing the judge to suspend the sitting. Justice Aluko said the disruption prevented the court from attending to more than seven other cases scheduled for that day.
The judge disclosed that he had considered committing Ogala for contempt of court, noting that her conduct could have attracted a prison sentence of at least two months. Her lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, also apologised on her behalf and assured the court that the incident would not be repeated.
Following the apologies, the court heard arguments on Ogala’s bail application. Abubakar urged the judge to grant her bail on reasonable conditions, arguing that the prosecution’s proposed bail terms indicated that it was not opposed to her release.
However, prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, asked the court to impose strict conditions, citing concerns that Ogala’s social media activities could influence witnesses or interfere with the trial.
The prosecution urged the court to restrict her contact with witnesses and prevent publications capable of undermining the proceedings.
After listening to both parties, Justice Aluko reserved his ruling on the bail application until November 6, 2026, and ordered that Ogala remain in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the decision.
The actress is facing a three-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor.
The prosecution alleged that she published intimate photographs of Okafor on social media without his consent and circulated videos, recordings and electronic messages allegedly intended to harass or intimidate him. She was also accused of threatening to release further material unless he compensated her or bought her a house.
Ogala, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, was arraigned by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Speaking after the proceedings, Abubakar said he intended to petition the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, seeking the withdrawal of the charges. He argued that the matter arose from a private dispute and should not have resulted in criminal prosecution.
