Actress Angela Okorie re-arrested over alleged bail fee dispute

Nigerian actress Angela Okorie was reportedly re-arrested at Suleja Prison on Tuesday, shortly after securing her release on bail, in connection with a dispute over the payment of her legal fees.

The development came less than an hour after actor Stanley Ontop raised concerns on social media about a possible re-arrest following her release.

According to actress Doris Ogala, who shared a video on Instagram from her way to the police station, Okorie was re-arrested by an unnamed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for allegedly refusing to pay the N5 million fee agreed upon to secure her bail.

“Angela has been arrested again. When she was initially arrested by Mercy Johnson, she called a friend or a village contact to help get a SAN.

The SAN charged N5 million to facilitate the bail. Now, Angela refuses to pay, saying she didn’t ask for a SAN and is not going to pay, even though the money has been deposited,” Ogala explained.

Angela Okorie was first granted bail on Friday following her arrest by fellow actress Mercy Johnson, in a case reportedly linked to alleged defamation. She had regained her freedom after meeting the conditions set by the court.

The re-arrest has sparked public outrage on social media, with several colleagues and fans expressing concern over the timing and handling of the situation.

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Legal analysts say the incident highlights complications that can arise when bail arrangements involve private legal agreements with SANs, particularly when payments are disputed.

Dr. Chuka Eze, a Lagos-based legal expert, commented: “While the courts grant bail, private agreements with lawyers—especially SANs—can complicate matters. If a fee is unpaid, technically the lawyer may seek redress, but the law must ensure that re-arrest does not violate the bail granted by the court. The situation needs urgent judicial clarification.”

At the time of reporting, Okorie’s current status was unclear, as friends and family rushed to ascertain her whereabouts and ensure her safety while legal remedies are being explored.