Federal High Court Grants N5m Bail to Activist ‘Justice Crack’ as DSS Presents Digital Evidence in High-Profile Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to activist and social media commentator Justice Mark Chidiebere, widely known as “Justice Crack”, in a case that has drawn attention over allegations tied to online content and digital evidence.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the defendant be released on bail set at ₦5 million, with strict conditions attached, including a surety of equal value.

Under the ruling, the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, maintain a fixed address for at least four years, and present proof of residence such as a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy. The court also required the surety to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with documented salary records and official authentication from a departmental head.

The court further directed the surety to provide an affidavit of means and passport photograph, while the defendant must surrender his international passport for the duration of the trial.

The case took a deeper turn as the prosecution opened its arguments, indicating readiness to proceed with trial. The first witness, a Department of State Services operative, told the court he became involved after the case was transferred from military intelligence authorities.

He testified that the defendant allegedly made and circulated social media videos derived from images supplied by soldiers, without verifying their authenticity. The witness also said investigators recovered data from the defendant’s phone, including videos, chat records, and online exchanges linked to protest-related discussions.

The DSS further presented a compliance certificate confirming forensic analysis of the digital materials. An iPhone and a flash drive said to contain relevant video content were also tendered as evidence.

However, the defence team challenged the admissibility of the flash drive, arguing that its contents had not been properly demonstrated or examined in court. The prosecution admitted procedural lapses in document sharing, describing them as an oversight.

The court eventually admitted the DSS investigation report as evidence and adjourned the matter to May 25 for continuation of trial, with the first prosecution witness yet to be discharged.