FG Opens Cybercrime Case Against Influencer ‘Justice Crack’

The Federal Government on Monday formally opened its cybercrime case against social media activist and influencer Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The influencer is facing prosecution over alleged cybercrime-related offences linked to viral social media content involving members of the Nigerian military. Justice Crack was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on an amended three-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against him.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution’s first witness, Oronto Douglas, told the court that audio and video recordings obtained during the defendant’s interrogation had been transferred onto a flash drive and accompanied with a certificate of compliance.

However, defence counsel objected to the admissibility of the evidence, arguing that the contents of the flash drive could not be independently verified in its current form.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently faulted the prosecution for failing to properly apply to the court for the necessary playback equipment required to display the evidence openly during proceedings. The prosecution informed the court that an earlier request had been directed to the office of the deputy chief registrar, but the judge held that the request should have been made through the court’s Information Technology department.

Following the arguments, defence counsel urged the court to maintain the bail conditions earlier granted to the defendant, a request the prosecution did not oppose.

The court thereafter affirmed the existing bail terms and adjourned the matter until September 28 for continuation of trial.

Justice Crack’s arrest earlier generated widespread public attention after he was reportedly declared missing by family members in April 2026. According to reports, he allegedly disappeared after dropping his child at school in Abuja, prompting concerns from rights groups and supporters on social media.

The Nigerian Army later confirmed that he had been held in military custody over viral videos allegedly showing soldiers complaining about poor feeding conditions and welfare challenges. Military authorities argued that the content had the potential to incite personnel and undermine national security before transferring him to civil authorities for prosecution.

After regaining freedom, the influencer publicly thanked Nigerians, journalists and human rights advocates who spoke out during his detention, insisting that his actions were never intended to destabilise state institutions.

The cybercrime trial is expected to continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja later this year.