0
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has been linked to activities surrounding the June 12 Democracy Day protest in Abia State, days after her legal team informed the Federal High Court in Lagos that she was unable to attend proceedings in her ongoing cybercrime case due to health challenges.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media appeared to show the actress among individuals participating in the protest, where demonstrators called on government authorities to address growing security concerns and other national issues. However, Independent verification of the images and videos was not immediately available.
Ogala is currently facing charges filed by the Federal Government over allegations bordering on cyberstalking, cyberbullying, dissemination of false information and attempted extortion involving Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor.
The actress has yet to take her plea, as the matter has been adjourned on several occasions following her absence from court proceedings.
At previous hearings, her counsel informed the court that she was receiving medical treatment and was unable to attend proceedings. Medical reports were presented in support of applications seeking adjournments.
Ogala had earlier disclosed on social media that she underwent surgery in April, shortly before a scheduled arraignment.
The court subsequently granted an adjournment after her lawyer tendered documents relating to her health condition.
She later shared a photograph of herself in a wheelchair, stating that she was dealing with medical challenges.
When the case came up again on June 9, her lawyer told the court that she had recently been discharged from hospital and was receiving outpatient care. Another medical report was also presented before the court.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to scrutinise the reasons advanced for her continued absence and argued that information available to it suggested she had remained active in public engagements during the period under review.
Following the proceedings, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until October and directed that the defendant must appear before the court on the next scheduled date.
The judge further cautioned that continued absence from proceedings could have legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the social media posts purportedly linking Ogala to the June 12 protest have generated mixed reactions online, with some commentators questioning the development in light of the health concerns previously brought before the court, while others urged caution pending independent verification of the images and videos.
The case is expected to resume in October.
