A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” in the sum of five million naira.
Ruling on the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the defendant shall provide one surety in the same amount as a condition for his release.
The court directed that the surety must live within the court’s jurisdiction and maintain a verifiable fixed address for at least four years, supported with valid documents such as a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy to be filed at the registry.
It also ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with proof of at least three months’ salary, an official letter from the head of department, and evidence of pensionable employment.
In addition, the surety is required to submit an affidavit of means alongside a recent passport photograph, while the defendant is to deposit his international passport with the court.
Meanwhile, proceedings earlier saw the prosecution informing the court that it was fully prepared to commence trial.
A DSS operative, Uruntu Douglas, who testified as the first prosecution witness, told the court he became involved in the investigation after his transfer from the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps to the Department of State Services.
He stated that the defendant gave a voluntary extra-judicial statement in the presence of his legal representatives.
According to him, military personnel had shared images with the defendant, who allegedly converted them into videos and published them online without confirming their authenticity from official sources.
He further told the court that digital evidence extracted from the defendant’s phone included social media videos, conversations with soldiers, chats with his godfather allegedly discussing protests, and other online materials.
He added that forensic analysis was completed and a certificate of compliance was issued and signed by a superior officer.
During the hearing, defence counsel Sam Amadi told the court that the defence team had not been served with the prosecution’s investigation report and other documents intended for evidence.
The prosecution admitted the omission and apologised to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted the DSS investigation report as Exhibit A.
The prosecution also tendered an iPhone allegedly recovered from the defendant, a flash drive said to contain online videos and extracted chats, as well as the certificate of compliance.
However, the defence objected to the flash drive, arguing that its contents were neither properly presented nor demonstrated in court.
The case was adjourned to May 25 for continuation of trial, with the prosecution witness yet to be discharged.