In a dramatic turn of events, Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has been released by the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos after being rearrested in Abuja shortly after securing bail. The actress, who has been at the center of a high-profile legal and personal controversy involving Pastor Chris Okafor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries, was reportedly flown under heavy police escort from the nation’s capital to Lagos.
Sources told Chronicles Reporters that the tension escalated when Ogala’s lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, attempted to document the arrest. “Officers violently confronted Abubakar, seized his phones, and proceeded to accompany Ogala on the flight to Lagos,” a source familiar with the matter disclosed.
The actress’s release, however, was secured through the intervention of Take It Back Movement Coordinator, Jamiu Towolawi, popularly known as Jharmo, who posted bail and acted as surety.
In a striking and unprecedented moment, Pastor Okafor reportedly met Ogala personally in Lagos and implored her to restore peace. Eyewitnesses said the cleric fell to his knees during a private, hour-long negotiation in a secluded location. “It was clear the pastor’s actions played a central role in her arrest. Upon seeing that she refused to back down, he begged for reconciliation,” a source stated.
Following the meeting, Ogala was released by police on “health grounds.” Her lawyer’s phones, which had been seized during the rearrest, were also returned, though the police requested the deletion of certain arrest footage—a demand firmly rejected by Jharmo.
Background to the Scandal
The controversy traces back to allegations made by Ogala against Pastor Okafor regarding a broken promise to marry her. The dispute escalated publicly after Ogala, during a live-streamed interview, revealed that police had unexpectedly arrived at her residence, leading to her arrest.
Prior to the arrest, Ogala had shared an image allegedly showing Okafor in a compromising situation, which she later deleted, warning that she might release additional content.
Through her legal representatives, Synergy Law Partners, Ogala demanded N1 billion in aggravated damages from Okafor over the alleged broken marital commitment, citing a personal relationship that began in 2017. The law firm alleged that the relationship was formed during a period when the actress was emotionally vulnerable and seeking pastoral guidance.
The legal demand outlines that Ogala acted to her detriment based on promises made by the cleric, including leaving a troubled marriage and placing substantial financial trust in Okafor—reportedly transferring N45 million to him and granting access to her financial accounts.
While acknowledging that marriage cannot be legally compelled, Ogala’s lawyers argue that the law allows for remedies in cases of breach of promise and aggravated harm, citing substantial evidence including photographs, messages, videos, and banking records.
The incident has ignited widespread debate, with critics questioning both the actions of the police and the conduct of Pastor Okafor, while supporters of Ogala have called for accountability and justice for what they describe as a systemic attempt to intimidate her.