Nollywood actress Doris Ogala will remain in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the determination of her bail application in a cybercrime case involving Pastor Chris Okafor.
The Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned the matter to October 30, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application after the prosecution requested more time to study the application and file its response.
Ogala, who is also the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, was arraigned on Wednesday over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, alleged that Ogala published intimate photographs of Okafor without his consent between September 2024 and March 2026.
The prosecution further accused her of sending electronic messages allegedly containing false information and threatening additional publications unless the cleric compensated her or purchased a house for her.
Ogala pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her lawyer, N. C. Atulomah, urged the court to grant her bail, assuring the judge that the actress would attend subsequent court proceedings.
However, the prosecution opposed the immediate consideration of the application, stating that it needed sufficient time to review the bail request and respond.
Justice Aluko ordered an accelerated hearing of the application but directed that Ogala remain in custody until the court determines her bail request.
The case has also attracted political attention, with AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticising the police over the prosecution.
In a Facebook post, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of using the Cybercrimes Act to pursue cases involving influential individuals and argued that private disputes should not automatically become criminal prosecutions.
He also called for the protection of Ogala’s constitutional rights, due process and fair hearing.
The allegations against Ogala have yet to be determined by the court, and her plea of not guilty means the prosecution must establish its case through the judicial process.
The proceedings are expected to continue on October 30, when the court will hear her bail application.
