The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to social media commentator, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” in the sum of ₦5 million over allegations bordering on cybercrime and the alleged dissemination of sensitive military-related content online.
Trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted bail with stringent conditions and adjourned the matter until May 25 for continuation of hearing.
The defendant, who was represented by his new counsel, Sam Amadi, is required to produce one surety in like sum. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, maintain a verifiable address for at least four years, and provide evidence of residence through a tenancy agreement or Certificate of Occupancy.
The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, present evidence of at least three months’ salary, obtain authentication from a head of department, and show proof of pensionable employment. The surety is also required to depose to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph. The defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport with the court.
Earlier in the proceedings, prosecution counsel M. L. Aboye informed the court of readiness to proceed and called its first witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified as Oronto Douglas.
The witness told the court that he became involved in the investigation following his transfer from the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps to the DSS, adding that the defendant had made a voluntary statement in the presence of legal aid counsel.
He alleged that some soldiers had sent photographs to the defendant, which were later converted into videos and published on social media without verification from appropriate military authorities.
According to the witness, a forensic examination of the defendant’s mobile phone was conducted, yielding materials said to be relevant to the case, including videos allegedly posted online, chat conversations between the defendant and some soldiers, and exchanges relating to protest discussions with an individual described as his “godfather.”
The DSS operative further stated that a certificate of compliance was issued following the forensic analysis.
During the hearing, defence counsel Sam Amadi told the court that the defence had not been served with the investigation report and other documents intended for use by the prosecution. The prosecution acknowledged the lapse and apologised, describing it as an oversight.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted the DSS investigation report as Exhibit A.
The prosecution also tendered an iPhone allegedly recovered from the defendant, a flash drive said to contain uploaded videos, extracted device communications, and the accompanying certificate of compliance. The defence objected to the admissibility of the flash drive, arguing that its contents had not been properly demonstrated or verified in open court.
The objection is expected to be addressed as part of issues for determination as the trial continues.
The case has drawn attention within legal and civil society circles amid ongoing debates on cybercrime enforcement, digital expression, and the regulation of online commentary on security and political matters in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, earlier counsel associated with the matter, including lawyer to activist Omoyele Sowore, Marshall Abubakar, was not present in court.
