A bail hearing for social media user Chidiebere Justice Mark, known as “Justice Crack,” hit a snag on Thursday after two lawyers clashed in court over who actually represents him.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had fixed May 15 for the hearing after Mark was arraigned by the Department of State Services on a three-count charge linked to a viral video about the Nigerian Army. He pleaded not guilty.
When the case was called, drama unfolded as Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar both stood up to announce appearance for Mark. Balogun said Mark’s family had briefed him, while Abubakar insisted he remained the lawyer of record and hadn’t been disengaged.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik asked Mark to identify his lawyer. He pointed to Balogun.
Abubakar then applied to withdraw all processes he had filed, including the bail application Balogun was relying on. The judge struck out the documents and adjourned the case to May 18 for a fresh bail application.
Mark was charged by the DSS under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026 with alleged cybercrime offences after posting a video and comments on X, @JusticeCrack, about the feeding of soldiers. The Attorney-General of the Federation has since taken over the prosecution from the DSS.
The court will now hear the new bail request next week.
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