Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” was on Thursday returned to DSS custody after a disagreement between members of his legal team disrupted his bail hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The controversy began when lawyer Femi Balogun informed the court that Justice Crack’s family had asked him to take over the case. However, Marshall Abubakar, who had earlier filed the bail application, insisted he remained the lead counsel and had not been formally replaced.
After the judge asked Justice Crack to identify his preferred lawyer, he reportedly chose Balogun. In response, Abubakar withdrew the bail application and other court filings, forcing the court to strike them out and adjourn the matter until May 18 for a fresh application.
Justice Crack is facing cybercrime-related charges linked to a viral video in which he criticised the welfare and feeding conditions of Nigerian soldiers.
The courtroom drama left observers in confusion, while social media erupted with criticism, with many Nigerians blaming the legal tussle for jeopardising his chances of securing bail. Activist Omoyele Sowore also alleged that the incident was deliberately orchestrated to keep the detainee in custody.
NewsMaximum