The Federal Government has charged 47-year-old Ogoni activist, Gani Uebari Topba, before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over allegations of terrorism, cybercrime and agitation against oil activities in Ogoniland.
Topba, an indigene of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area and a resident of Reefcot Estate, Port Harcourt, is facing a four-count charge filed before the court.
According to the charge document obtained by our correspondent, the Federal Government alleged that Topba, on August 10, 2026, two days after a meeting of KAGOTE, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Ogoni people, produced and circulated a video allegedly attacking the leadership of the group.
The prosecution claimed that the publication was intended to destabilise or undermine the political, economic and social structure of Ogoniland, Rivers State and Nigeria, while potentially reigniting the crisis that affected the area in 1994.
It further alleged that the video could incite violence against KAGOTE’s President-General, as well as other leaders and members of the organisation.
Topba was consequently accused of knowingly or indirectly supporting the commission of an act of terrorism, contrary to the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In another count, the Federal Government alleged that between May and August 2026, Topba repeatedly advocated the seizure and detention of all oil wells in Ogoniland in a bid to pressure the Federal Government to exclude Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, now Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, and its affiliates from oil-related contracts in the area.
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The prosecution said the alleged action constituted an offence under Section 24 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
Topba is also accused of committing a cybercrime by allegedly using a computer system or network to publish the video.
The Federal Government claimed that the communication was intended to bully or harass the President-General of KAGOTE and other members of its leadership, allegedly causing them to fear for their lives or safety.
The cybercrime count was filed under Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case comes amid growing tensions in Ogoniland over plans to resume oil production, the ongoing Ogoni dialogue process and disagreements among stakeholders concerning the leadership and role of KAGOTE.
The allegations are contained in the charge filed before the court and have not been proven. Topba remains presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty by the court.
The charge was signed by S.C. Nwangele, Esq., Head of the Legal Services Department.
