Nigeria's Justice Crack faces cybercrime trial, adjourned to Sept. 28 for forensic evidence review

The Federal Government opened a cybercrime case against social‑media influencer Justice Chidiebere, known as “Justice Crack,” before the Federal High Court in Abuja. He was arraigned on three amended counts under the Cybercrime Act, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered to remain on existing bail conditions.

Prosecution witness Oronto Douglas testified that audio and video recordings from the defendant’s interview had been downloaded onto a flash drive. The defence challenged the admissibility of the flash drive, arguing the contents could not be independently verified. The court instructed the prosecution to apply to the court’s Information Technology Department for a playback device to view the forensic evidence in open court. The matter was adjourned to 28 September to allow this application and further hearing.

Justice Crack had earlier been reported missing in April 2026 after allegedly dropping his child at school. The Nigerian Army later confirmed he was in military custody, detained over viral videos that reportedly criticized soldiers’ welfare and could incite unrest. He was transferred to civil authorities, charged with cybercrime and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, and released after public outcry. The trial will continue in Abuja.