Nollywood actress Doris Ogata remanded in Lagos court over cyber‑stalking allegations against pastor Chris Okafor

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered Nollywood actress Doris Ogata to be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre while her bail application is considered. The actress faces three counts – alleged cyber‑bullying, the publication of intimate photographs without consent and attempted extortion – brought by the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation on behalf of Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberty and Miracle Ministry.

Justice Akintayo Aluko presided over the hearing, during which Ogata pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, led by counsel Tolulope Mokolu, contended that the offences were committed between September 2024 and March 2026. Mokolu alleged that Ogata deliberately posted nude and intimate images of Pastor Okafor on her social media platforms, causing embarrassment and reputational damage, and that she circulated false electronic messages intended to intimidate the cleric. The prosecutor also claimed that Ogata threatened to continue publishing the material unless Okafor provided monetary compensation or bought her a house, actions he said violated sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Defence counsel N. C. Atulomah argued for bail, noting that Ogata is a governorship candidate for a political party in Abia State and would appear at the next hearing. The judge rejected the bail request, stating that the defence had not shown sufficient grounds for release, and ordered an accelerated hearing of the bail application on 30 October. The court also remanded Ogata to the Nigerian correctional centre, with the matter adjourned until the bail hearing.

Background

The dispute stems from a series of online interactions that began in late 2024, when Ogata allegedly posted intimate photographs of Pastor Okafor without his permission. The pastor, a prominent religious figure, filed a complaint that led to the filing of three counts under the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act. The charges encompass the unauthorised publication of intimate material, dissemination of false information, and threats of further publication unless financial demands were met.

The case experienced procedural delays, with two prior court sittings postponed due to Ogata’s absence. The latest arraignment marked the first time the actress appeared before the court, during which she maintained her innocence. The prosecution’s case relies on electronic evidence of the posted images and messages, while the defence has highlighted Ogata’s political aspirations as a factor in seeking her release.

Why it matters

The proceedings have implications for several groups. For religious leaders, the case underscores the legal risks associated with personal privacy breaches and the application of cyber‑crime legislation. For the entertainment industry, it highlights the potential criminal liability of public figures who engage in online conduct that may be deemed defamatory or threatening. Politically, the involvement of a governorship candidate adds a dimension of electoral scrutiny, as opponents may view the charges as either a legitimate legal action or a politically motivated move.

Public reaction has been amplified by Ogata’s own statements on social media. In an Instagram post, she accused fellow pastors Jerry Eze, Suleman Johnson and the Abia State governor Alex Otti of orchestrating her remand to prevent her from exposing alleged secrets. These allegations have not been substantiated in court and represent a contested narrative.

What happens next

The court has scheduled an accelerated hearing of Ogata’s bail application for 30 October. Prosecutor Mokolu indicated he required additional time to review the bail documents before filing a response. If bail is denied, the case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will need to prove the alleged cyber‑crimes beyond reasonable doubt. The defence has pledged to produce Ogata at subsequent hearings and to continue contesting the charges. The outcome will determine whether the actress remains in custody pending trial or is released pending further proceedings.