Court adjourns Okai’s cybercrime trial, SSG to testify in case 

The Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, to September 29 for the continuation of hearing.

Justice A.S. Ibrahim of Court 5 fixed the new date to enable the prosecution present its witness, with the Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG) expected to testify in the case.

Okai is facing a 16-count charge filed against him by the Kogi State Government.

At the resumed hearing, 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.

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.

The case is linked to allegations contained in a social media post in which Okai accused Kogi State 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.

Before the matter was transferred to the High Court, the Department of State Services (DSS) obtained a remand order to enable it 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. The magistrate court had earlier adjourned that matter to March 13, 2025.

Okai was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general elections.