Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has been granted ₦30 million bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cyberstalking and other offences involving Pastor Chris Okafor, but with strict conditions limiting her social media activity and movement.
Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the bail on Friday and ordered Ogala to provide two sureties in like sum.
She must also surrender her international passport to the court registrar.
The judge restrained the actress from making electronic publications capable of harassing, threatening or intimidating prosecution witnesses or exposing them to public ridicule.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko said the conditions were necessary to balance Ogala’s constitutional right to personal liberty with the need to protect witnesses and safeguard the integrity of the judicial process.
Court Cites Disruption During Proceedings
The judge expressed particular concern over Ogala’s alleged behaviour during court proceedings on October 28, 2026, when her conduct reportedly disrupted proceedings and forced the emergency adjournment of 10 cases.
According to the judge, the incident raised concerns about her ability to maintain order and avoid causing further disruptions during trial.
However, he acknowledged that Ogala had apologised to the court and stressed that she remained presumed innocent under the Constitution.
Justice Aluko directed Ogala to undertake an oath of good behaviour and refrain from any misconduct within the courtroom and its premises throughout the trial.
Prosecution Opposed Bail
The bail application was brought under Section 35(5) of the Constitution and Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Opposing the application, the prosecution accused Ogala of deliberately failing to attend previous court proceedings on April 23 and June 9, 2026, under the claim of ill health.
The prosecution presented photographs which it said showed the actress participating in political activities, public gatherings, campaigns and protests during the period she claimed to have been ill.
It argued that the allegations involved the publication and distribution of electronic materials through social media, raising fears she could use the same platforms to interfere with witnesses.
However, the defence maintained that the alleged offences were bailable and insisted that Ogala would neither evade trial nor interfere with witnesses if released.
Her lawyer attributed her previous absence from court to health challenges and urged the judge to grant bail to enable her to prepare for trial and pursue her governorship ambition.
Under the conditions, one of the two sureties must either own property in Lagos State with verifiable Land Registry documents or be a prominent national officer of her political party.
Both sureties must demonstrate reliable financial means, reside within the court’s jurisdiction and submit tax clearance certificates covering the last three years.
The court directed that Ogala be released from custody immediately after fulfilling all bail conditions.
