COURT GRANTS DORIS OGALA ₦30M BAIL, RESTRICTS SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITIES

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted Nollywood actress Doris Ogala bail in the sum of ₦30 million, subject to two sureties, while imposing restrictions on her social media activities and conduct during the ongoing trial.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, who delivered the ruling on Friday, directed Ogala not to make electronic publications capable of exposing prosecution witnesses to harassment, threats, ridicule or intimidation.

The court also warned the actress against any action that could disrupt judicial proceedings or undermine the integrity of her trial. She was further ordered to swear an undertaking to maintain good behaviour throughout the proceedings.

In explaining the decision, Justice Aluko said the bail conditions were necessary to protect Ogala’s constitutional right to liberty while ensuring her availability for trial and safeguarding witnesses.

The judge expressed concern over an incident on October 28, 2026, when the actress allegedly disrupted court proceedings, resulting in the adjournment of several cases.

Although he acknowledged that Ogala had subsequently apologised, he said the incident raised concerns about the possibility of further disruptions within and outside the courtroom.

Justice Aluko, however, emphasised that the actress remained innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty.

Citing the fundamental principle governing bail, the judge stated that the primary purpose of granting bail was to ensure that an accused person remained available to face trial.

He consequently held that the application could be granted in the interest of justice, provided adequate conditions were imposed.

Ogala had filed her bail application on October 27, 2026, following an application dated October 26. The application was supported by a 35-paragraph affidavit and an additional 35-paragraph affidavit filed on October 29.

Arguing in support of the application, her lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, told the court that continued detention would affect his client’s ability to adequately prepare her defence.

The defence also informed the court of Ogala’s political ambition in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Her counsel attributed her previous failure to attend court sittings to health complications, explaining that she had undergone gynaecological surgery and was still receiving medical care.

However, the prosecution, led by Tolulope Mokolu, opposed the application, alleging that the actress had deliberately failed to appear in court on April 23 and June 9, 2026, despite claiming to be ill.

To support its position, the prosecution presented photographs which it said showed Ogala participating in political engagements, public events, campaigns and protests during the periods she claimed to have been indisposed.

Mokolu also raised concerns about possible interference with prosecution witnesses, alleging that the offences involved the use of social media and electronic communications to harass the complainant.

The prosecution therefore urged the court to impose strict conditions preventing Ogala from contacting or intimidating witnesses and publishing online content capable of compromising the trial.

In determining the application, Justice Aluko considered Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which provides guidelines for courts handling bail requests. The provisions include assessing the possibility of an accused person committing another offence, absconding or interfering with investigations and witnesses.

Under the conditions imposed, Ogala is required to provide two sureties, each in the sum of ₦30 million.

One of the sureties must either own property in Lagos State and present verifiable evidence of registration at the state’s Land Registry, duly certified by the Registrar of Deeds, or be a prominent national officer of a political party or a person of established reputation.

Both sureties must demonstrate credible financial means, reside within the court’s jurisdiction and undergo verification by the court registrar.

They are also required to submit tax clearance certificates covering the preceding three years, alongside two recent passport photographs each.

The actress must equally surrender her international passport to the court registrar and sign an undertaking on oath to maintain good behaviour and avoid any form of misconduct within the courtroom and its premises.

The judge ordered that she be released from custody upon satisfying all the bail conditions.

THE CHARGE

Ogala is standing trial in Charge No. FHC/L/220C/2026, instituted by the Federal Government under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The prosecution accused her of publishing intimate photographs of Pastor Chris Okafor on social media without his consent between September 2024 and March 2026.

She was also accused of circulating electronic messages containing allegations she allegedly knew to be false, as well as using digital platforms to bully, threaten and harass the cleric.

Additionally, the prosecution alleged that Ogala threatened to release further intimate and damaging materials unless Okafor compensated her or purchased a house for her.

The allegations are yet to be established in court. Ogala remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is expected to proceed to trial following the fulfilment of her bail conditions.