Doris Ogala: Remanded for Cybercrimes Act Violations, Bail Pending

• Actress Doris Ogala has been remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre on charges of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and attempted extortion.
• The charges, brought by the Attorney-General's office, allege she published intimate photographs and false messages about Pastor Chris Okafor between September 2024 and March 2026.
• Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the remand, accusing the police of weaponizing Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act for influential figures.
• Sowore also raised concerns about Justice Akintayo Aluko's impartiality in cases involving pastors and the judiciary being used for personal vendettas.
• Ogala, a governorship candidate, awaits her bail application hearing, which is scheduled for October 30, 2026.

Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of misusing the Cybercrimes Act, suggesting it is being weaponized to serve the interests of "influential figures."

Actress Doris Ogala has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, awaiting the determination of her bail application. She faces three counts of alleged cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor. The arraignment took place before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Lagos, initiated by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The charges against Ogala specifically detail the publication of intimate photographs, the dissemination of electronic messages alleged to be false, and threats directed at the cleric. The prosecution, represented by Tolulope Mokolu, informed the court that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ms. Ogala allegedly posted nude and intimate images of Pastor Okafor on her social media platforms without his consent. These actions, according to the prosecution, were capable of causing significant annoyance, embarrassment, emotional distress, and damage to the cleric's reputation.

The legal proceedings against Doris Ogala fall under Nigeria's Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, with the specific allegations centering on digital harassment and financial coercion. The three counts brought by the Attorney-General's office highlight the serious nature of the charges, which include not only the sharing of private imagery but also the alleged spread of misinformation and direct threats. The prosecution's argument emphasizes the potential for such digital conduct to inflict severe personal and reputational harm on the alleged victim.

This case underscores the broad scope of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 in Nigeria, which allows for prosecution against various forms of online misconduct. The timeline provided by the prosecution, indicating alleged activities between September 2024 and March 2026, suggests a prolonged period of digital engagement that forms the basis of the charges. The court's handling of these allegations will provide further insight into the interpretation and enforcement of cybercrime laws in the country.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has publicly condemned the remand of Doris Ogala, raising significant concerns about the handling of the case. Speaking on Facebook, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of misusing the Cybercrimes Act, suggesting it is being weaponized to serve the interests of "influential figures." He questioned the appropriateness of the police pursuing criminal charges in what he characterized as allegations stemming from a personal affair with a pastor, particularly by bringing such a matter before a Federal High Court judge.

Sowore specifically voiced apprehension regarding Justice Akintayo Aluko's involvement, citing previous cases handled by the judge that involved pastors, which, in Sowore's view, raise questions about judicial impartiality. He articulated a perception that both the police and the judiciary might be exploited to resolve private disputes and to shield prominent religious individuals, asserting that such practices undermine the integrity of the justice system.

Further elaborating on his critique, Omoyele Sowore emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force should not transform private relationships into criminal prosecutions, nor should it employ the Cybercrimes Act as a tool for intimidation. He highlighted Doris Ogala's status as the governorship candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abia State, arguing that she is entitled to full protection of her constitutional rights, due process, and a fair hearing.

Sowore called for an end to the criminalization of private disagreements by law enforcement and urged that the judiciary must never become an instrument for religious influence or personal vendettas. The case has been adjourned, with the hearing for Ogala's bail application scheduled for October 30, 2026, indicating a protracted legal process ahead.

This case underscores the ongoing concern among legal practitioners regarding the potential weaponization of Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act for private disputes, especially when influential figures are involved. Lawyers should advise clients on the broad interpretation and enforcement risks of cybercrime allegations, emphasizing the need for robust defense against charges that may stem from personal vendettas rather than genuine criminal intent, and monitor judicial impartiality in such cases.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica