“Stop Weaponising The Cybercrimes Act!” — Sowore Blasts Police Boss Disu Over Doris Ogala’s Remand
By Passman Akpos
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over the prosecution and remand of Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State, Doris Ogala, describing the case as another example of the alleged weaponisation of the Cybercrimes Act against Nigerians.
Sowore criticised the police under the leadership of Tunji Disu, arguing that law enforcement authorities should not turn private relationship disputes into criminal prosecutions without sufficient legal justification.
His comments followed the reported remand of Ogala at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos over allegations of cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving controversial cleric Pastor Chris Okafor.
In a strongly worded statement, Sowore said he unequivocally condemned what he described as renewed attacks on Nigerians by the police on behalf of influential individuals.
“Once again, the Nigeria Police Force has deepened its weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act!” Sowore declared.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the case, asking why allegations arising from an alleged romantic relationship had resulted in criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court.
Sowore also raised concerns about the court handling the matter, arguing that the police and judiciary must not be perceived as instruments for settling personal disputes or protecting influential religious figures.
His comments amount to a criticism of the handling of the case and do not, in themselves, establish that the police or the court acted improperly.
SOWORE DEFENDS OGALA’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
The activist highlighted Ogala’s political status as the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Sowore, her political position and the circumstances of the allegations make it important for the authorities to respect her constitutional rights, ensure due process and guarantee a fair hearing.
He maintained that the police must not use the Cybercrimes Act as a tool of intimidation or criminalise private disputes without a proper legal basis.
“The Nigeria Police Force has no business turning private relationships into criminal prosecutions or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a weapon of intimidation,” Sowore said.
He further warned against any situation in which religious influence or personal disagreements could undermine public confidence in law enforcement and the administration of justice.
However, the allegations against Ogala involve more than the reported existence of a past romantic relationship. The prosecution has accused her of specific online activities, including the alleged publication of intimate images and threatening communications.
Whether those allegations satisfy the requirements of the law remains a matter for the court to determine.
WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?
As previously reported by Tarakirivoice, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered Ogala’s remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following her arraignment on a four-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024.
Justice Akintayo Aluko reportedly made the order after the actress pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to the prosecution, Ogala allegedly published intimate photographs of Pastor Okafor on social media without his consent.
The prosecution also accused her of disseminating videos, recordings and electronic messages allegedly intended to harass, intimidate or cause distress to the cleric.
Another allegation is that she threatened to continue publishing damaging material unless Okafor compensated her or bought her a house.
The prosecution reportedly told the court that the alleged offences occurred between September 2024 and March 2026.
These claims remain allegations. Ogala’s plea of not guilty means the prosecution must establish the charges against her in accordance with the law.
DEFENCE SEEKS BAIL AS COURT ORDERS REMAND
During the proceedings, Ogala’s lawyer, Nathan Atulomah, urged the court to release his client on bail, assuring the judge that she would attend subsequent hearings.
The defence also drew attention to her status as a political candidate and attempted to provide background to the relationship between Ogala and the pastor.
However, Justice Aluko reportedly indicated that the background to the relationship was not necessary at that stage because the court was considering the bail application.
The prosecution opposed her immediate release, requesting time to respond to the bail application.
The judge subsequently ordered Ogala’s remand pending the hearing of her bail application, which was scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026.
The remand order does not amount to a conviction, and the court is yet to determine her guilt or innocence.
COURTROOM DRAMA AS OGALA INSISTS ON SPEAKING
The proceedings reportedly became tense after the remand order, with Ogala insisting that she wanted to address the court.
According to reports, the actress repeatedly shouted, “I must talk. This is Nigeria,” while expressing her belief that she was being oppressed.
The courtroom reportedly became difficult to control as the situation escalated, prompting the judge to rise for the day.
The incident has added to public attention surrounding the case, particularly because Ogala is also a political candidate preparing for the 2027 Abia State governorship election.
DEBATE OVER THE CYBERCRIMES ACT
Sowore’s intervention has renewed debate over the application of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, particularly in cases involving online publications, allegations of harassment and disputes between private individuals.
The law provides a legal framework for addressing certain cyber-related offences. However, its application has attracted public debate over the need to protect individuals from online abuse while safeguarding freedom of expression and preventing criminal proceedings from being used to intimidate critics.
The central legal question in Ogala’s case is whether the prosecution can prove the specific offences charged against her.
Criticism of the prosecution’s handling of the matter does not automatically invalidate the charges, just as the existence of criminal allegations does not establish guilt.
The court must determine the case based on the applicable law and evidence presented by both sides.
QUESTIONS OVER POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY AND FAIR HEARING
Sowore’s criticism raises broader questions about how authorities handle allegations involving influential individuals and whether the same legal standards are consistently applied to all Nigerians.
His comments also highlight the importance of transparency in criminal proceedings and the need for the police to demonstrate that investigations and prosecutions are grounded in evidence rather than personal influence.
At the same time, Pastor Okafor is entitled to legal protection if offences have been committed against him, just as Ogala is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.
The court proceedings will therefore be crucial in determining whether the prosecution can substantiate its allegations.
Neither the seriousness of the accusations nor the public controversy surrounding the parties should replace the judicial process.
ATTENTION TURNS TO OCTOBER 30 BAIL HEARING
With Ogala’s bail application scheduled for October 30, attention is now focused on the next court session and whether she will be released pending trial.
Sowore’s intervention has placed additional public scrutiny on the police, the prosecution and the broader debate over the use of cybercrime legislation in disputes involving prominent individuals.
For now, the legal proceedings remain ongoing, and the allegations against Ogala have yet to be proved.
Tarakirivoice will continue to monitor developments in the case, including the outcome of the bail hearing and any further responses from the Nigeria Police Force, the prosecution, Ogala’s defence team and Pastor Okafor.
