Pastor Chris Okafor challenges public support for Doris Ogala, says freedom of expression not absolute

By Philip Nwosu Counsel to Pastor Chris Okafor, Mr Ife Ajayi, has challenged public support for Nollywood actress Doris Ogala over her ongoing cyberbullying trial, insisting that freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to make false, malicious or damaging allegations against another person. Ajayi, who faulted comments by activist Omoyele Sowore and Ogala over the criminal proceedings, said the right to freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits of the law. He maintained that the issues surrounding the trial should not be reduced to a disagreement between individuals or judged through public sympathy, but examined against the allegations and evidence before the court. The lawyer urged members of the public to obtain copies of the charges against Ogala to understand the issues forming the basis of the prosecution. He alleged that the actress had engaged in conduct that violated his client’s rights and could incite public hostility against him. Ajayi also cautioned against endorsing allegations made by Ogala without subjecting them to proper legal scrutiny, stressing that public opinion should not replace the judicial process. Expressing confidence in the judiciary, he said he expected the court to determine the matter based on the evidence presented and the applicable laws. “I am 100 per cent optimistic that the court will do what is right. The court, in all fairness, even after the defendant’s lawyer pleaded with it to release her on bail and offered to take responsibility for her conduct, gave the prosecution 48 hours to respond,” he said. Ajayi further questioned Ogala’s conduct during court proceedings, alleging that her outburst and disruption of proceedings raised concerns about her ability to comply with bail conditions if released. He argued that the incident could also make it difficult for her legal representatives to guarantee that she would abide by any conditions imposed by the court. The lawyer stressed that courtroom proceedings required discipline and respect for established procedures, regardless of the grievances or emotions of the parties involved. “You cannot behave disrespectfully at a police station or anywhere else and expect to do the same in a court of law. The court is where logic and legal accountability prevail,” he said. Beyond the ongoing trial, Ajayi called on the National Assembly to consider legislation to address the public exposure of private disputes, particularly where individuals use public accusations to damage the reputations and rights of others. He argued that personal disagreements should be resolved through appropriate legal channels rather than public campaigns capable of influencing perceptions before the issues were determined by a competent court. “The law is not about emotion or sentiment. It is about logic and legal accountability. It is a place where people are held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” he said. Ajayi urged the public to exercise restraint in passing judgment on the allegations surrounding the dispute, insisting that the court remained the appropriate institution to determine the matter. The allegations against Ogala and the arguments advanced by Okafor’s counsel remain subject to judicial determination.   Tags:

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