The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to activist and social media commentator Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, in an ongoing cybercrime case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled on Monday that the defendant should be released on bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum.
Justice Crack N5m Bail Approved by Court
Justice Crack N5m bail was granted with several conditions attached to the surety arrangement.
According to the court, the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of residence through a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy.
The judge also directed that the surety must have lived at the address for at least four years.
Court Lists Conditions for Surety
Justice Crack N5m bail conditions also require the surety to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15.
The court stated that the surety must present proof of pensionable employment and evidence of at least three months’ salary.
Additional requirements include a letter of authentication from the surety’s head of department and an affidavit of means.
Defendant Ordered to Deposit Passport
Justice Crack N5m bail ruling further directed the defendant to submit his international passport to the court.
The court also ordered the surety to provide a recent passport photograph to the court registry.
The bail decision followed arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence teams during proceedings.
DSS Witness Testifies in Court
During the hearing, a witness identified as Uruntu Douglas, said to be an operative of the Department of State Services, testified before the court.
He told the court that the defendant was transferred to the DSS by the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps for investigation.
According to the witness, investigators extracted videos, chats and social media materials from the defendant’s mobile device.
Defence Raises Objection Over Evidence
Justice Crack N5m bail proceedings also featured objections from the defence team regarding some evidence presented by the prosecution.
Defence counsel Sam Amadi argued that some documents had not been properly served before being tendered in court.
The prosecution described the omission as an oversight and apologised during proceedings.
Court Adjourns Case Till May 25
Justice Crack N5m bail comes as the Federal High Court adjourned the matter till May 25 for continuation of trial.
The prosecution tendered a DSS investigation report, an iPhone allegedly recovered from the defendant and a flash drive said to contain social media materials.
The first prosecution witness was yet to be discharged as proceedings ended for the day.
