The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to blogger and social media commentator Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” in the sum of ₦5 million.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the bail on Monday to allow Chidiebere face trial on charges of cybercrime, breach of public peace, and felony filed by the State Security Service, SSS. He pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 4.
Chidiebere’s arrest followed viral videos he posted alleging poor welfare of Nigerian soldiers, including concerns over feeding and treatment of troops in conflict zones. He was initially detained by soldiers before being transferred to the SSS.
The court ruled that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction for at least four years and deposit proof of residence with the registry. The surety is also required to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, provide three months’ salary evidence, a letter from the head of department, and proof of pensionable employment.
Additional conditions include an affidavit of means, a recent passport photograph from the surety, and the deposit of Chidiebere’s international passport with the court.
At the hearing, SSS operative Uruntu Douglas testified as the first prosecution witness. He said the case was transferred from the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and that Chidiebere made a statement in the presence of his lawyers.
Douglas told the court that soldiers shared images with Chidiebere, which he allegedly turned into videos and posted online without verifying their authenticity. Data extracted from his phone included videos, chats with soldiers, messages linked to planned protests, and content from his social media accounts.
The prosecution tendered an iPhone, a flash drive containing videos and chats, and a certificate of compliance from the forensic analysis. The defence objected to the flash drive, arguing its contents were not played in court.
Justice Abdulmalik admitted the SSS investigation report as Exhibit A and adjourned the case to May 25 for continuation of trial.
