The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted Nollywood actress Doris Ogala bail in the sum of N30 million with two sureties in like sum following her ongoing trial for alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and harassment involving Pastor Chris Okafor.
Presiding Judge Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the ruling on Friday, November 6, 2026, ruling that while the charges are bailable, strict conditions must be met to ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the proceedings.
Under the terms of the bail, Ogala must surrender her international passport to the court registrar and is barred from making any electronic or social media publications capable of intimidating prosecution witnesses or distorting court proceedings.
Justice Aluko emphasized the necessity of balancing the constitutional right to liberty with the duty to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of the trial.
The court noted previous disruptions on October 28, 2026, when Ogala’s courtroom conduct forced an emergency adjournment of ten cases. Although the judge acknowledged that the defendant had formally apologized for the incident, he underscored that her conduct warranted precautionary measures to prevent further interference outside the courtroom.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that Ogala had previously skipped scheduled court dates on April 23 and June 9, 2026, under the pretext of ill health while actively participating in political campaigns and public rallies.
Prosecutors further expressed concern that her active social media presence posed a risk of witness tampering. Conversely, defense counsel Marshal Abubakar maintained that the offences were bailable, attributing past absences to medical complications, and informed the court that Ogala was currently hospitalized following a surgical procedure.
In granting the application under Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Justice Aluko ruled that bail remains a constitutional mechanism to guarantee attendance rather than a punitive measure.
To perfect the bail, Ogala must present two sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction who possess landed property in Lagos or hold recognized leadership positions in a political party, along with three years of verified tax clearance certificates.
