Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of political activist and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, to September 29, 2026, for the continuation of hearing, as the prosecution prepares to present its next witness—the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Justice A.S. Ibrahim of Court 5 fixed the new date on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to enable the prosecution to present its witness, with the SSG expected to testify in the case.
Okai is facing a 16-count charge filed against him by the Kogi State Government, stemming from allegations contained in a social media post in which he accused Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of allegedly misappropriating billions of naira belonging to local government councils and state agencies. The allegations led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution on cybercrime-related charges. The case has drawn significant attention in Kogi State, where Okai has been a vocal critic of the state government and a prominent political activist.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Justice Ibrahim assured both the prosecution and the defence that the court would give both sides a fair hearing. The judge also cautioned the prosecution against using unnecessary delays that could slow down the trial. Before the matter was transferred to the High Court, the Department of State Services (DSS) had obtained a remand order to enable it to investigate the allegations. The order was granted by Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Lokoja, who directed that Okai be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kabba.
Following the court session, Okai told journalists that he believes the case against him is politically motivated but expressed confidence that the judiciary would deliver justice. "I am not disturbed by these delay tactics. I will not stop speaking out against the state government whenever it is necessary," he said. Okai, who was the PDP candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general elections, has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The adjournment marks the latest development in a legal battle that has been ongoing since Okai's initial arrest. The magistrate court had earlier adjourned the matter to March 13, 2025, before it was transferred to the High Court. The case has become a focal point of debate in Kogi State, with supporters of the activist describing the trial as a form of political persecution, while the state government has maintained that it is pursuing the matter in accordance with the law.
As the trial continues, all eyes will be on the proceedings when the court reconvenes on September 29, with the SSG expected to take the stand. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for freedom of speech and political expression in Kogi State, particularly given the governor's recent signing of the state's anti-open grazing law, which has also sparked controversy. For now, Okai remains resolute in his position, vowing to continue speaking out against the state government despite the legal challenges he faces.
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