A 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 case after defence counsel sought more time for Topba to recover from health complications reportedly arising from his prolonged detention.

Topba had been released from custody at the weekend before the proceedings, following an earlier grant of bail by the court.

The prosecution, handled by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government, did not oppose the 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 set 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 sheet, he allegedly campaigned for the forced takeover of oil wells in Ogoniland to pressure the Federal Government into excluding 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 distributing a video allegedly intended to malign the leadership of KAGOTE, a prominent Ogoni socio-cultural organisation.

According to the prosecution, the publication was intended to undermine public order in Rivers State and risk 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 charge was brought under Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

Topba represents local interest groups in ongoing peace and reconciliation talks with the Federal Government over the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.