The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, in the sum of ₦5 million.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday after hearing arguments on the bail application. The court set strict conditions for the surety and ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport pending trial.
According to the ruling, the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction at a fixed address for at least four years. Proof of residence, such as a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy, must be submitted to the court registry. The surety must also be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with evidence of three months’ salary payments, an authentication letter from their head of department, and proof of pensionable employment. An affidavit of means and a recent passport photograph are also required.
Justice Crack was arrested by the Nigerian Army in late April after posting viral videos criticizing the feeding conditions of soldiers in conflict zones. He was later handed over to the Department of State Services and arraigned on a three-count charge of cybercrime, breach of public peace, and felony. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution, now handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, opened its case on Monday by calling its first witness, a DSS operative. The witness told the court that soldiers had sent images to the defendant, who allegedly turned them into videos and posted them online without verifying their authenticity with military authorities. Data retrieved from his phone, including chats and social media posts, were tendered as evidence.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, has drawn attention from human rights lawyers who argue the charges violate constitutional rights. His legal team has urged the AGF to discontinue the prosecution.
The matter was adjourned for continuation of trial.
