Court grants activist Justice Crack N5m bail in cybercrime charges

By Enitan Abdultawab

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Justice Chidiebere aka Justice Crack in the sum of N5 million, with one surety in like sum.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, while delivering ruling on Monday, held that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction at a fixed address for at least four years and must provide valid proof of residence, including either a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy.

The court further ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with evidence of at least three months’ salary payments, a letter of authentication from the immediate head of department, and proof of pensionable employment.

In addition, the surety is required to depose to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph, while the defendant is to deposit his international passport with the court.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, stems from his arrest by the Nigerian Army in late April after he posted viral videos criticising the feeding conditions of soldiers deployed to conflict zones.

He was later arraigned by the Department of State Services on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime, breach of public peace and felony, to which he pleaded not guilty. The Attorney General of the Federation later took over prosecution of the case from the DSS.

The ruling followed weeks of legal back-and-forth, including delays in bail proceedings and a clash between members of his legal team over representation, which forced the withdrawal of an earlier bail application.

His arrest sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists, who alleged torture and enforced disappearance, while the Nigerian Army denied the claims, insisting the arrest was linked to alleged incitement and conduct capable of undermining military discipline and national security.

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