Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised the remand of actress Doris Ogala at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, describing the move as an abuse of the Cybercrimes Act and a troubling example of the criminalisation of private disputes.
Ogala was arraigned on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a three-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges include alleged cyberbullying, cyberstalking and attempted extortion involving cleric Pastor Chris Okafor.
According to the prosecution, Ogala allegedly published intimate photographs of the cleric on social media between September 2024 and March 2026 without his consent. Prosecutors argued that the posts were capable of causing embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational damage.
Reacting in a Facebook post, Sowore accused the Nigeria Police Force of increasingly using the Cybercrimes Act to protect powerful individuals and suppress dissent.
“Once again, the Nigeria Police Force has deepened its weaponisation of the Cybercrimes Act,” he said, questioning how allegations relating to a private relationship could become the subject of a criminal prosecution before a Federal High Court. Sowore also expressed concern about the handling of the case, arguing that both the police and judiciary should not be perceived as instruments for settling personal grievances or protecting influential religious figures.
“The Nigeria Police Force has no business turning private relationships into criminal prosecutions or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a weapon of intimidation,” he stated.
The activist further maintained that Ogala, who is the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, is entitled to due process, constitutional protections and a fair hearing.
“The police must stop criminalising private disputes, and the judiciary must never become an instrument of religious influence or personal vendettas. This abuse must end,” he added.
Justice Akintayo Aluko adjourned the matter until October 30, 2026, for the hearing and determination of Ogala’s bail application. The actress remains in custody pending the court’s decision on bail.
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