A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed January 18 and 19, 2027, for the commencement of the trial of Chief Gani Topba, leader and spokesman of the Conscience of Ogoni People, who is facing a four-count charge bordering on terrorism, alleged seizure of oil wells in Ogoniland, and cybercrime.
The trial was adjourned after counsel to Topba informed the court of his client’s health condition, allegedly arising from his prolonged detention and release from custody over the weekend.
The defence counsel requested an adjournment to enable Topba to recover sufficiently to face trial.
The prosecution did not oppose the application. After listening to both parties, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Turaki, adjourned the matter until January 18 and 19, 2027, for trial.
The charges were brought against Topba by the Federal Government through the Department of State Services (DSS).
In one of the counts, Topba is alleged to have persistently advocated the seizure of all oil wells in Ogoniland to compel 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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He is also accused of knowingly or indirectly supporting the commission of an act of terrorism by allegedly producing and publishing a video that maligned the leadership of the KAGOTE group.
According to the charge, the alleged act was intended to destabilise or destroy the fundamental political, economic and social structures of Ogoniland, Rivers State and Nigeria, and to trigger a recurrence of the crisis that engulfed Ogoniland in 1994.
In another count, the Ogoni leader is accused of intentionally publishing a video through a computer system or network to bully or harass KAGOTE President-General, Lesi Maoi, and other leaders of the organisation.
The prosecution alleges that the communication placed them in fear of death or bodily harm, contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Topba, who is a member of the Ogoni dialogue with the Federal Government on the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted bail.
The court is expected to commence his trial on January 18, 2027.
