“He Remains On Bail Pending Trial” — Court Fixes January 18, 19 For Gani Topba Over Alleged Terrorism, Cybercrime Charges
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has fixed January 18 and 19, 2027, for the trial of Gani Topba, leader and spokesman of the Conscience of Ogoni People, over allegations bordering on terrorism, cybercrime and calls for the unlawful takeover of oil assets in Ogoniland.
Justice Mohammed Turaki adjourned the matter after counsel to Topba sought more time to enable him recover from health complications said to have arisen from his prolonged detention.
Topba had been released from custody at the weekend preceding the proceedings following an earlier order of the court admitting him to bail.
The prosecution, conducted by the State Security Service on behalf of the Federal Government, did not oppose the defence application for an adjournment.
The court had earlier granted Topba bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, subject to conditions imposed by the court. He remains on bail pending the commencement of his trial.
Topba is facing a four-count charge, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
According to the charge, he allegedly campaigned for the forcible takeover of oil wells in Ogoniland as a means of pressuring the Federal Government to exclude Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, now operating as Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, and its partner companies from future contracts in the area.
The prosecution also accused him of producing and circulating a video allegedly intended to malign the leadership of KAGOTE, an Ogoni socio-cultural organisation.
According to the prosecution, the publication was capable of undermining public order in Rivers State and allegedly risked reigniting the communal crisis that affected Ogoniland in 1994.
Topba was further accused of using computer networks to target, bully and harass KAGOTE President-General, Lesi Maoi, and other executive members, allegedly causing them to fear death or physical injury.
The cybercrime allegation was brought under Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Topba, however, has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Beyond the criminal proceedings, Topba has been involved in representing local interest groups in ongoing peace and reconciliation engagements with the Federal Government over the proposed resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland.
The court will now reconvene on January 18 and 19, 2027, for the commencement of his trial.
Post Title: “He Remains On Bail Pending Trial” — Court Fixes January 18, 19 For Gani Topba Over Alleged Terrorism, Cybercrime Charges By Papers Nigeria.
