The trial of Ogoni activist, Chief Gani Topba, has been stalled before the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
The matter, which was scheduled for bail consideration, was adjourned after the presiding judge, Justice Muhammed Turaki, informed the parties that his approval from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to sit as a vacation judge only covered plea-taking and not bail applications or full trial.
Justice Turaki said he would not proceed with the matter beyond the scope of the approval pending further directives.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until September 8, 2026, for bail consideration and possible commencement of trial.
Topba, the Leader and Spokesman of the Conscience of Ogoni People, is facing a four-count charge bordering on terrorism, alleged seizure and detention of oil wells in Ogoniland against the Federal Government, cybercrime and another offence.
In one of the counts, Topba is alleged to have intentionally published a video through a computer system to bully or harass the President-General of KAGOTE, Lesi Maoi, and the leadership of the group, allegedly causing them to fear death or bodily harm.
Topba, who is also a member of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee with the Federal Government on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, has been described as a frontline campaigner against cultism, criminal activities and other forms of insecurity in Ogoni.
Leave feedback about this