JUSTICE CRACK Gets N5m Bail in Cybercrimes, Felony Trial

Social media content creator, JUSTICE CHIDIEBERE, better known as JUSTICE CRACK, has been granted bail in a case brought against him by the Nigerian government, through the Department of State Services. JUSTICE CHIDIEBERE was arrested by the Nigerian Military and handed over to the DSS over a social media post calling attention to poor welfare of Nigerian soldiers, specifically claiming that soldiers were being poorly fed. CHIDIEBERE is facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on three-counts of cybercrime over alleged publication of false information, breach of public peace, and attempted felony by incitement, and he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. At the resumed hearing of the matter today, Justice JOYCE ABDULMALIK granted bail to the activist and social media commentator in the sum of Five Million Naira, with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a federal civil servant of not below Grade Level 15, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court at a fixed address for at least four years. Justice ABDULMALIK made the order after the DSS presented its first prosecution witness, identified as URUNTU DOUGLAS, who was part of the investigation after the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps transferred defendants to the DSS. DOUGLAS told the court that certain soldiers had sent pictures to the defendant, and he made videos from the images which he posted on social media without first confirming the authenticity of the materials with military sources. He further told the court that investigators extracted data from the defendant’s phone, including videos allegedly posted online, conversations between the defendant and some soldiers, chats with a godfather allegedly discussing protests. Justice JOYCE ABDULMALIK also admitted the DSS investigation report as Exhibit A, despite an objection by the defence counsel, SAM AMADI, who informed the court the defence had not been served with the investigation report and other documents sought to be tendered by the prosecution. Thereafter, Justice ABDULMALIK adjourned the matter to May 25, 2026, for continuation of the trial, with the First Prosecution expected to continue his testimony. Speaking with newsmen after the court pronouncement, the defence lawyer, SAM AMADI, expressed optimism that JUSTICE CHIDIEBERE would be discharged of the charges against him, saying that he committed no offence. Similarly, social activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, OMOYELE SOWORE, who has been leading the campaign to free JUSTICE CHIDIEBERE, spoke with newsmen outside the court complex, complaining about the bail conditions granted by the court.