Politician and activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised the remand of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos, alleging that the Cybercrimes Act is being used to pursue personal disputes involving influential individuals.
Ogala was remanded on Wednesday after being arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion involving popular cleric Pastor Chris Okafor.
The case was brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation before Justice Akintayo Aluko, with the actress facing three charges relating to the alleged publication of intimate photographs, the dissemination of electronic messages said to be false, and threats against the cleric.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences occurred between September 2024 and March 2026. The prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, told the court that Ogala had allegedly published nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on her social media accounts without his consent.
The prosecution further alleged that the publications were capable of causing embarrassment, annoyance, emotional distress and reputational damage to the cleric.
Ogala has yet to have her bail application heard, as the court adjourned the matter until October 30, 2026, for the hearing of the application.
Reacting to the development in a Facebook post, Sowore questioned the decision to prosecute the actress, arguing that the police should not use cybercrime legislation to turn private disagreements into criminal cases.
He also expressed concern over the choice of court and raised questions about the handling of cases involving religious figures, suggesting that the circumstances could create a perception of unequal treatment before the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force has no business turning private relationships into criminal prosecutions or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a weapon of intimidation,” Sowore wrote.
The activist also argued that Ogala, whom he identified as the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, was entitled to the protection of her constitutional rights, including due process and a fair hearing.
He called on the police to stop what he described as the criminalisation of private disputes and urged the judiciary to remain independent of religious influence and personal interests.
“The police must stop criminalizing private disputes, and the judiciary must never become an instrument of religious influence or personal vendettas. This abuse must end!” he added.
Background to the dispute
The case centres on allegations concerning the online publication of intimate images and electronic communications involving Ogala and Okafor. The prosecution’s position is that the alleged conduct violated cybercrime laws, while Sowore has challenged the use of those laws in the circumstances.
The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act provides a legal framework for addressing offences committed through computer systems and electronic communications. Its enforcement has also attracted public debate over the balance between protecting individuals from online abuse and safeguarding freedom of expression and other constitutional rights.
The allegations against Ogala remain before the court, and the prosecution’s claims have not been established as proven facts. The actress is entitled to due process as the proceedings continue.
The next sitting, scheduled for October 30, is expected to address her bail application.