Court Restrains Doris Ogala From Intimidating Witnesses, Grants ₦30m Bail

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted Nollywood actress Doris Ogala bail in the sum of ₦30 million, with two sureties, while restricting her from making electronic publications capable of exposing prosecution witnesses to harassment, ridicule, threats or intimidation.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, who granted the bail on Friday, also directed the actress to refrain from any conduct capable of disrupting court proceedings or compromising the integrity of her trial.

The judge further ordered her to undertake on oath to maintain good behaviour throughout the proceedings.

Justice Aluko said the conditions were designed to balance Ogala’s constitutional right to liberty with the need to ensure her attendance in court and protect prosecution witnesses.

In his ruling, the judge expressed concern over the actress’s conduct during proceedings on October 28, 2026, when her disruption of the court’s sitting reportedly led to the adjournment of several cases.

He said the incident raised concerns about the possibility of further disorder outside the courtroom, although he acknowledged that Ogala had subsequently apologised to the court.

The judge, however, stressed that the actress remained presumed innocent under the Constitution despite the concerns raised by the prosecution.

Quoting the principle guiding the grant of bail, Justice Aluko said, “The main function of bail is to ensure the presence of the accused at trial. That is the touchstone of all the criteria.”

He said the court was satisfied that granting the application would serve the interest of justice, provided the appropriate conditions were imposed to secure the defendant’s attendance and safeguard the proceedings.

Ogala had approached the court through a bail application dated October 26 and filed on October 27, 2026. The application was supported by a 35-paragraph affidavit and a further affidavit of 35 paragraphs filed on October 29.

Moving the application, her counsel, Marshal Abubakar, argued that keeping the actress in custody would hamper her ability to prepare her defence. He also cited her political ambition in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general election.

The defence attributed her previous absences from court to health challenges, telling the judge that she had undergone gynaecological surgery and was receiving medical attention.

However, prosecuting counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, opposed the application, alleging that Ogala deliberately failed to attend proceedings on April 23 and June 9, 2026, on grounds of ill health.

The prosecution presented photographs which it said showed the actress participating in political activities, public gatherings, campaigns and protests during periods when she had reportedly been indisposed.

Mokolu also raised concerns about possible witness intimidation, arguing that the allegations against Ogala involved the use of social media and electronic communications to harass the complainant.

The prosecution consequently urged the court to impose restrictions preventing her from contacting or intimidating witnesses and making online publications capable of interfering with the trial.

In considering the application, Justice Aluko referred to Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which outlines factors a court must consider when determining bail applications, including the likelihood of a defendant committing another offence, evading trial or interfering with investigations.

The judge said the court was required to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously, taking into account the facts and circumstances of the case.

Under the bail conditions, Ogala must produce two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must either own property in Lagos State and provide verifiable evidence of its registration at the Land Registry, duly certified by the Registrar of Deeds, or be a prominent national officer of a political party or a person of repute.

Both sureties must demonstrate reliable 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 last three years and two recent passport photographs each.

The actress was further ordered to surrender her international passport to the court registrar and enter into a recognisance on oath to maintain good behaviour and refrain from misconduct within the courtroom and court premises.

The judge directed that she be released from custody once all the bail conditions had been fulfilled.

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

The prosecution alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, the actress published intimate photographs of Pastor Chris Okafor on social media without his consent.

She was also accused of disseminating electronic communications containing allegations she allegedly knew to be false and using electronic platforms to bully, threaten and harass the cleric.

The prosecution further alleged that Ogala threatened to publish additional intimate and damaging materials unless the pastor compensated her or bought her a house.

The allegations remain before the court for determination, and the actress is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is expected to proceed to trial following the determination of the bail application.