The federal high court in Abuja has granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million to Justice Mark Chidiebere, social media commentator and activist popularly known as Justice Crack, who is standing trial over alleged cybercrime offences.
Ruling on the bail application on Monday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant must produce a surety in like sum.
The court directed that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction at a fixed address for at least four years and provide evidence of residence, such as a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy, submitted at the court registry.
Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with proof of at least three months’ salary, a letter of authentication from the head of department, and evidence of pensionable employment.
She also ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph, while the defendant was directed to deposit his international passport with the court.
Earlier in the proceedings, M.L. Jackson, the prosecution counsel informed the court of readiness to open trial. A DSS operative, Uruntu Douglas, who testified as the first prosecution witness, told the court that the defendant was transferred from military intelligence for investigation.
He alleged that the defendant made social media posts using photographs supplied by soldiers without verifying their authenticity. The witness also said forensic analysis of the defendant’s phone recovered chats, videos, and other digital materials relevant to the case.
The matter was adjourned till May 25 for continuation of trial.