There was a dramatic scene at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday as Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, broke down in tears and knelt before the presiding judge, pleading for forgiveness over her conduct during an earlier court sitting.
Ogala appealed to Justice Akintayo Aluko, expressing remorse for her outburst on Wednesday, which reportedly disrupted proceedings and prevented the court from attending to several other cases.
The actress is standing trial over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving popular cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor. She appeared before the court on Friday in connection with allegations of disobedience to a court order and contempt proceedings arising from her conduct.
Ogala was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over allegations that she published the cleric’s intimate photographs without his consent, circulated electronic messages allegedly containing false information about him and threatened to release further damaging materials unless he met certain demands.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed between September 2024 and March 2026.
In one of the counts, Ogala was accused of publishing nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on her social media platforms, allegedly exposing him to embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational damage.
The prosecution further alleged that she circulated videos, recordings and electronic messages containing information intended to harass, intimidate or threaten the cleric.
Another count accused her of threatening to continue publishing intimate and allegedly damaging materials unless Okafor compensated her or bought her a house.
The charges were brought under the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, as amended in 2024.
Ogala pleaded not guilty to all three counts and was subsequently remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the determination of her bail application.
At Friday’s proceedings, Justice Aluko expressed displeasure over her conduct during Wednesday’s sitting, warning that her actions were capable of undermining the authority and dignity of the court.
The judge reportedly said the disruption prevented the court from attending to more than seven other cases scheduled for hearing that day.
Following the judge’s remarks, Ogala reportedly stepped out of the dock, approached the front of the courtroom, knelt down and began pleading for mercy.
“My lord, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I did not mean to disrespect this honourable court,” she was heard saying.
Her action reportedly caused a stir in the courtroom as lawyers, litigants and journalists tried to get a clear view of the scene, while some court officials attempted to calm her down.
Ogala expressed regret over her conduct, insisting that she had no intention of disrespecting the court. She also attributed her actions partly to a misunderstanding involving her legal team.
The judge, while maintaining his composure, directed her to stand up and respect the sanctity of the courtroom.
“This court is not a place for theatrics. You have a lawyer who should speak for you. Kneeling does not change the facts before the court. Stand up and allow your counsel to do his job,” the judge said.
Justice Aluko disclosed that he had considered committing Ogala for contempt over Wednesday’s disruption but decided against taking that step.
He reportedly observed that her conduct could have attracted a prison sentence of at least two months for obstructing court proceedings.
Ogala’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, also apologised to the court, describing the incident as regrettable and assuring the judge that his client’s conduct would not be repeated.
Following the apologies, the court proceeded to hear arguments on Ogala’s bail application.
Abubakar urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, which proposed conditions for her release, indicated that it was not opposed to her being admitted to bail.
However, prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, urged the court to impose stringent bail conditions, expressing concern that Ogala’s social media activities could influence witnesses or interfere with the administration of justice.
The prosecution specifically sought restrictions on her contact with witnesses and the publication of materials capable of undermining the ongoing proceedings.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Aluko reserved ruling on the bail application until November 6, 2026.
Ogala was subsequently ordered to remain at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, her lawyer disclosed plans to petition the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, seeking the withdrawal of the criminal charges.
Abubakar reportedly described the matter as a private disagreement between former lovers, arguing that it should not have escalated into criminal prosecution