The bail application of detained social media influencer Justice Chidiebere, known as “Justice Crack,” suffered a significant setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. The setback arose after a clash between his defence lawyers over representation, delaying the proceedings.
Justice Crack’s bail hearing, scheduled for today after his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) on May 4, was disrupted when two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, both appeared to represent the defendant. Balogun informed the court that he had been instructed by Mark’s family to take over the case, while Abubakar, who had been representing Crack, argued that he had not been dismissed from the case.
During the session, Justice Abdulmalik asked Justice Crack to identify his lawyer, to which the defendant pointed to Balogun. In response, Abubakar requested permission to withdraw all the legal processes he had filed, including the bail application that Balogun had relied on.
The case stems from charges filed by the DSS against Justice Crack, accusing him of cybercrime offenses related to a viral video he posted on his X handle (@JusticeCrack). The video allegedly contained false information about the Nigerian Army, specifically claims about the poor feeding of soldiers, which is said to have caused public unrest.
The DSS charged Crack with publishing materials that could harm national security. The Department of State Services initially filed the charges, but on Thursday, the court was informed by Leyii Abueh from the Federal Ministry of Justice that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the case in accordance with the law.
Due to the clash between the defence lawyers, Justice Abdulmalik struck out all the legal processes filed by Abubakar, including the earlier bail application. The case was adjourned to May 18, 2026, for the hearing of a fresh bail request.
This development marks a delay in the proceedings for the social media influencer, who remains in detention pending the resolution of his bail application and trial.
