Sowore Faults Police Over Doris Ogala’s Remand, Alleges Abuse Of Cybercrimes Act

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused the Nigerian Police Force of weaponising the Cybercrimes Act to intimidate individuals and protect influential personalities, following the remand of actress Doris Ogala at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations involving Pastor Chris Okafor.

Sowore condemned the actress’s remand, arguing that the police should not turn private disputes into criminal prosecutions or use cybercrime legislation to settle personal scores and shield powerful individuals.

In a statement published on his Facebook page, the activist questioned the circumstances surrounding Ogala’s arraignment and expressed concern over what he described as the use of law enforcement and the judiciary to protect influential religious figures.

“Once again, the Nigeria Police Force has deepened its weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act! What kind of society are we becoming? How could anyone be arraigned simply over allegations of having an affair with a pastor? And how could the police actually take such a matter before a Federal High Court judge?” he wrote.

Sowore also raised concerns about the handling of the case by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, alleging that the judge’s handling of cases involving pastors raised questions about judicial impartiality.

“The perception that the police and judiciary are being used to settle personal scores and protect influential religious figures must be confronted,” he said.

He maintained that the police had no business converting private relationships into criminal cases or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a means of intimidation.

“The Nigeria Police Force has no business turning private relationships into criminal prosecutions or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a weapon of intimidation,” Sowore added.

The activist further argued that Ogala, who contested the Abia State governorship election as the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was entitled to constitutional protection, due process and a fair hearing.
“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 said.

LEADERSHIP reports that Ogala was arraigned on Wednesday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation before Justice Aluko on three counts bordering on alleged cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion involving Okafor.

The charges also concern the alleged publication of intimate photographs, dissemination of allegedly false electronic messages and threats against the cleric.

Prosecution counsel, Tolulope Mokolu, told the court that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala allegedly published nude and intimate photographs of Okafor on her social media accounts without his consent.

The prosecution alleged that the publications were capable of causing annoyance, embarrassment and emotional distress, as well as damaging the cleric’s reputation.

Following the arraignment, Ogala was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of her bail application.

The court adjourned the case until October 30, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.