Judge Rejects Bench Warrant for Absent Actress Doris Ogala Amid Federal Cyberstalking Trial

Justice Aluko denies arrest warrant for Doris Ogala after she misses her cyberstalking trial, setting a strict June deadline for her court appearance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 4:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Medical Emergency Stalls Arraignment of Nollywood Star

The planned legal proceedings against actress Doris Ogala faced an immediate setback at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Ogala, who is facing a four-count charge brought by the Federal Government, was not present in the courtroom to enter her plea. Her legal team informed the court that the defendant is currently recuperating in Abia State following a surgical procedure conducted just two days prior. This absence effectively halted the commencement of a trial that has drawn significant attention within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Prosecution Demands Immediate Arrest Following Court Absence

State counsel Tolulope Mokuola expressed strong dissatisfaction with the actress's failure to attend the session, arguing that official notices had been disregarded. According to Mokuola, the federal authorities were entitled to a bench warrant to compel her attendance, as no prior notification regarding her health status had been provided to the prosecution. The government's representative argued that the hearing notice provided ample opportunity for the defense to communicate any obstacles, suggesting that the sudden absence obstructed the course of justice.

Defense Cites Surgical Complications and Private Recovery

In a firm opposition to the arrest warrant, defense lawyer Temiloluwa Akindayini detailed his client's medical condition to the presiding judge. Akindayini stated that Ogala underwent surgery on April 21, 2026, and submitted an affidavit to the court to substantiate the claim. The defense maintained that her current state of health made travel from Abia State to Lagos physically impossible. However, the lack of prior service of these medical documents to the prosecuting team became a point of contention during the morning's arguments.