Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted bail to activist and social media commentator, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” in the sum of ₦5 million.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the bail must be backed by one surety in like sum.
The court stated that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction at a verifiable address for at least four years and must provide proof of residence through either a tenancy agreement or a certificate of occupancy.
Additionally, the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with evidence of at least three months’ salary, proof of pensionable employment, and a letter of authentication from the immediate head of department.
The court further directed the surety to depose to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph, while the defendant was ordered to deposit his international passport with the court.
During the proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial. The first prosecution witness, identified as Uruntu Douglas, a DSS operative, testified that the defendant voluntarily made an extra-judicial statement in the presence of his lawyers during the investigation.
According to the witness, certain military personnel allegedly shared images with the defendant, who was accused of producing videos from the materials and posting them on social media without verifying their authenticity with military authorities.
The witness also told the court that forensic investigators extracted conversations, videos, and social media materials from the defendant’s mobile device, including alleged chats relating to protests and communication with soldiers.
The prosecution subsequently tendered the DSS investigation report, an iPhone allegedly recovered from the defendant, a flash drive containing video materials, and a certificate of compliance.
Counsel to the defendant, Sam Amadi, objected to the admissibility of the flash drive, arguing that its contents had neither been properly described nor played before the court.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 25 for continuation of trial.
