The bail hearing of Nigerian activist and content creator Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja following disagreements among members of his legal team.
The disagreement forced the withdrawal of an earlier bail application filed on behalf of the activist, leading the court to adjourn the matter until Monday, May 18, for hearing on a fresh application.
Disagreement among lawyers disrupts proceedings
Speaking after the court session, lawyer Femi Balogun accused another member of the defence team, Marshall Abubakar, of frustrating the bail process over disagreements on who should lead the case.
Balogun explained that the family of Justice Crack instructed him to take charge of the defence because of his seniority at the Nigerian Bar.
According to him, Marshall Abubakar, who initially filed the bail application, insisted on leading the defence despite the presence of senior lawyers.
“Today the matter was supposed to be for the hearing of the bail application. However, I was directed by the family to lead in respect of the matter for today,” Balogun said.
He added that the disagreement eventually led to the withdrawal of the existing bail application.
Fresh bail application to be filed
Balogun criticised the decision to withdraw the application, arguing that internal disagreements among lawyers should not affect the liberty of the defendant.
“Ordinarily, if he’s doing this for justice, for the interest of justice, I don’t see a reason, even if you are not the counsel leading, why you should withdraw the bail application filed for the person to enjoy his liberty,” he said.
According to him, the court had no choice but to strike out the bail application after the withdrawal request.
He confirmed that a fresh application would be filed immediately ahead of the adjourned hearing date.
“The court directed us to come back on Monday, May 18. We are going to file the bail application today, and the matter will be heard on Monday,” Balogun added.
DPP takes over prosecution
The lawyer also disclosed that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had taken over the prosecution of the case from the Department of State Services.
However, he noted that the prosecution team did not oppose proceedings during Thursday’s hearing.
Justice Crack facing cybercrime charges
Justice Crack was earlier remanded in prison custody over a viral video in which he allegedly criticised feeding arrangements within the Nigerian Army.
The activist was arraigned on cyber-related charges linked to his social media publications.
One of the charges alleged that he circulated false information through his social media handle, @JusticeCrack, with intent to cause annoyance, hatred and public unrest.
Authorities accused him of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 as amended.
Case sparks reactions online
The case has continued to generate debate on social media platforms.
While supporters of the activist describe the prosecution as an attempt to suppress free speech and criticism, authorities insist the charges are based on existing Nigerian laws regulating online publications and cyber activities.
