Proceedings in the case against Gani Topba, an Ogoni activist and leader and spokesman of the Conscience of Ogoni People, could not proceed at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Thursday after the presiding judge disclosed that his authorisation to sit during the court’s vacation was restricted to taking the defendant’s plea.
Justice Muhammed Turaki told lawyers in the matter that the approval granted to him by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court did not extend to hearing Topba’s bail application or conducting the substantive trial.
The development stalled the scheduled hearing of the bail application and the possible commencement of trial.
Justice Turaki said he would require further directives before he could take any additional steps in the case.
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The court consequently adjourned proceedings until September 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.
Topba is facing a four-count charge involving allegations of terrorism, seizure and detention of oil wells in Ogoniland, cybercrime and another offence.
One of the counts alleges that Topba intentionally published a video through a computer system to bully or harass the President-General of KAGOTE, another elite organisation in Ogoni, Lesi Maol, and the leadership of the organisation, allegedly causing them to fear for their safety.
Topba, who is a member of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee negotiating with the Federal Government on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
