The bail hearing of popular Nigerian activist, Justice Chidiebere, widely known as “Justice Crack,” was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja following a disagreement among members of his legal team.
The courtroom drama reportedly began after lawyers representing the activist disagreed over who should officially lead the defence during the proceedings. The dispute later forced the withdrawal of an earlier bail application already filed before the court.
Due to the development, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till Monday, May 18, 2026, for the hearing of a fresh bail application expected to be filed by the defence team.
According to reports from the court session, one of the defence lawyers, Femi Balogun, accused another counsel, Marshall Abubakar, of withdrawing the application despite the presence of senior lawyers prepared to handle the matter.
Balogun reportedly argued that the activist’s family had requested that he lead the defence because of his experience and seniority at the Nigerian Bar. He further claimed that internal disagreements among lawyers should not affect the defendant’s constitutional right to seek bail.
The disagreement reportedly created tension within the defence team and prevented the court from proceeding with the bail hearing as earlier scheduled.
Following the withdrawal request, the court was said to have struck out the initial application, paving the way for a new one to be submitted before the next hearing date.
Justice Crack is currently facing cyber-related charges linked to a viral social media video in which he allegedly criticised the welfare and feeding conditions of Nigerian soldiers.
Authorities accused the activist of using social media platforms to circulate information considered capable of causing public unrest, annoyance, and hatred, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case has continued to attract public attention online, with supporters of the activist alleging that the prosecution is an attempt to silence criticism and activism on social media.
However, government authorities insist that the charges are based on existing Nigerian laws regulating cyber activities and online publications.
The matter is expected to resume on Monday, May 18, when the court will hear a fresh bail application filed on behalf of the activist.
