Lagos cyberstalking legal proceedings

Federal High Courts in Lagos have processed multiple cases involving allegations of cyberstalking and cyberbullying under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024.

In early October, Ifeoma Nwafor was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking involving the Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited. The prosecution alleged the use of Instagram accounts to publish materials described as “offensive, false, malicious and calculated to cause harm.” Nwafor pleaded not guilty and was granted bail pending the fulfillment of specific financial conditions.

Later in the month, actress and political candidate Doris Ogala was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Ogala faced charges of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor. Prosecution counsel Tolulope Mokolu alleged that between September 2024 and March 2026, Ogala intentionally published intimate photographs of Okafor without consent and disseminated false electronic messages to harass him. The prosecution further claimed Ogala threatened to release more material unless the cleric provided financial compensation or purchased a house for her.

Ogala pleaded not guilty, accusing Okafor of weaponizing the law against her. The African Action Congress (AAC) characterized the legal action as a threat to freedom of expression and democratic participation. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also criticized the proceedings, suggesting the Cybercrimes Act is being used to protect influential figures and criminalize private disputes.