Justice A.S. Ibrahim of Court 5, Kogi State High Court, Lokoja, has adjourned the cybercrime trial of political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, to September 29, 2024, for the prosecution to present its witness.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is expected to testify against Okai, who is standing trial on a 16-count charge filed by the Kogi State Government.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Ibrahim assured both parties of a fair hearing and warned the prosecution against employing delay tactics to stall the trial.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Okai described the trial as “political persecution.” He expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to dispense justice, adding that he would not be deterred by delay tactics or intimidated into silence.
“I am not disturbed by these delay tactics. I will not stop speaking out against the state government whenever it is necessary,” Okai said.
It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had previously obtained a remand order against Okai to facilitate investigations. The order, granted by Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lokoja, remanded Okai at the Federal Correctional Center in Kabba. The magistrate court case was adjourned to March 13, 2025.
Background of the Case
Okai, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, was arrested over a social media post.
In the post, he alleged that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo misappropriated billions of naira belonging to local government councils and state agencies.
