The bail application filed by detained social media influencer Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” suffered a setback on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after a dispute broke out over his legal representation.
The defendant, who faces cybercrime charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), was arraigned earlier and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on alleged publication of false information and content said to be capable of causing public unrest.
The DSS, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, accused Mark of circulating a viral video on his X handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he alleged poor treatment of Nigerian soldiers.
When the matter came up for hearing, counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Leyii Abueh, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had taken over the case from the DSS.
Tension arose in court after two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, both announced appearances for the defendant and disputed who had the right to represent him.
Balogun told the court he was briefed by the defendant’s family, while Abubakar insisted he had been handling the case and had not been disengaged.
Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik asked the defendant to confirm his counsel, and Mark pointed to Balogun.
Following the confusion, Abubakar withdrew all filings he had submitted, including the pending bail application.
The court struck out the earlier processes and adjourned the matter until May 18 for hearing of a fresh bail application.
