Nigerian Blogger Justice Crack Bail Hearing Delayed Over Lawyer Dispute

The Federal High Court in Abuja had scheduled a bail hearing for social‑media influencer Chidiebere Justice Mark, known as Justice Crack, after he was arraigned on three cybercrime counts linked to a viral video criticising the Nigerian army. The hearing, initially set for May 14, was postponed when two lawyers – Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar – contested who should represent the defendant. When asked to identify his counsel, the defendant pointed to Balogun. Abubakar then sought to withdraw all filings, including the bail application he had previously filed. The judge struck out Abubakar’s processes and adjourned the matter to May 18 for a fresh bail application.

Human‑rights activist Frank Tietie criticised the court’s decision, stating, “it was wrong for the court to have permitted the withdrawal of the bail application filed on behalf of Justice Crack by Marshall Abubakar, Esq., unless there was clear authorisation from Justice Crack himself consenting to such withdrawal.” The dispute highlights concerns over legal representation, due process, and the handling of alleged cyber‑offences in Nigeria.