By joshua Cybercrime Trial: Court Adjourns Okai’s Case As SGS Fails To Appear
The Kogi State High Court, sitting in Lokoja, has adjourned the cybercrime trial of political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin after the prosecution’s key witness, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, failed to appear.
Justice A.S. Ibrahim of Court 5 set the new date of 29th September 2026 to allow the prosecution to present its witness and continue hearing in the matter. Okai is facing a 16-count charge filed by the Kogi State Government.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Ibrahim assured both the prosecution and defence of a fair trial. The judge also warned the prosecution against tactics that could unnecessarily prolong proceedings.
“The court will ensure both sides are heard, but we must avoid delays that defeat the essence of justice,” the judge said.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Okai said he was not bothered by the adjournment and insisted the charges were politically driven.
“I am not disturbed by these delay tactics. I will not stop speaking out against the state government whenever it is necessary,” he stated, expressing confidence that the judiciary would do justice.
The charges stem from a social media post in which Okai accused Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of allegedly misappropriating billions of naira meant for local government councils and state agencies.
Following the post, he was arrested and later prosecuted on cybercrime-related offences.
Before the case was moved to the High Court, the Department of State Services, DSS, secured a remand order from Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lokoja. The order led to Okai’s remand at the Federal Correctional Centre, Kabba. That court had earlier adjourned to March 13, 2025.
Okai was the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general elections.
The matter will now come up again on September 29 for continuation of hearing.