Nigerian actress Doris Ogala has apologized to a Federal High Court in Lagos for her unruly conduct during an earlier sitting. Ogala, who is facing charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion, knelt before Justice Akintayo Aluko to express remorse for her behavior. She promised not to repeat the conduct that disrupted proceedings. Her apology was a result of an incident where she allegedly shouted and sang in the courtroom, forcing the court to suspend proceedings.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, causing the court to suspend proceedings and preventing the hearing of more than seven other cases scheduled for that day. Justice Aluko expressed displeasure over the incident and considered committing Ogala for contempt but eventually decided against it. Despite believing that her conduct warranted punishment, the judge chose not to impose a sentence. Ogala's conduct could have resulted in at least two months' imprisonment for obstructing court proceedings.
During Friday's proceedings, Ogala personally appealed to Justice Aluko for forgiveness, expressing regret over her behavior at the previous sitting. She stated that she had never been to prison before and wasn't expecting to behave in such a manner. Her counsel, Marshal Abubakar, also apologized to the judge, describing the incident as regrettable and assuring the court that such behavior was inconsistent with his client's character.
The court has reserved its ruling on Ogala's bail application till November 6, 2026. Her counsel, Marshal Abubakar, moved the application, urging the court to admit Ogala to bail. He argued that the prosecution had effectively acknowledged her entitlement to bail by proposing conditions for her release in its counter-affidavit. Abubakar submitted that the prosecution's position indicated that it was not opposed to her release but was concerned about the conditions.
Abubakar also announced plans to petition the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, seeking the withdrawal of the charges. He described the charges as arising from a private disagreement between former lovers. The defense counsel faulted the prosecution, Wale Igbintade, for not acknowledging the incident and explaining his client's conduct before proceeding with arguments on the bail application.
Justice Aluko disclosed that he had personally directed an accelerated hearing of the application, taking steps to ensure that it was heard within 48 hours. The judge expressed disappointment that the disruption occurred despite the court's efforts to expedite the determination of the bail application. Following the apologies, the court proceeded to hear arguments on the bail application.
Ogala remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the court's ruling on her bail application. Her case has raised concerns about the conduct of celebrities in court and the need for respect for the judicial process. The court's decision on her bail application will be made on November 6, 2026.
Key points
- Doris Ogala apologizes to court for unruly conduct.
- Court reserves ruling on Ogala's bail application till November 6, 2026.
- Defense counsel plans to petition AGF for withdrawal of charges.
