Why Marshall Withdrew Bail Application for Justice Crack

Barrister Marshal Abubakar withdrew the bail application for activist Justice Crack at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, May 14 2026. The withdrawal followed a dispute when another counsel, Femi Balogun, announced instructions to lead the defense. Justice Crack now remains in custody as the matter stands adjourned until Monday, May 18 for a fresh application.

The high-profile case centers on Justice Crack, whose full name appears in court records as Chidiebere Justice Mark. He faces cybercrime charges under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 as amended. Prosecutors allege he circulated false information via his social media handle @JusticeCrack on or about April 28 2026 regarding inadequate feeding of Nigerian Army personnel.

Court Drama Unfolds at Federal High Court Abuja

Proceedings opened for the bail hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Disagreement erupted among the legal team over who would lead the defense. Femi Balogun appeared and stated he received family directives to take the lead role due to seniority at the bar.

Barrister Marshal Abubakar had filed the original bail application and led earlier proceedings. He applied to withdraw his appearance once Balogun announced representation without prior notice. The judge offered Abubakar the choice and confirmed the withdrawal.

Exact Reason Marshall Withdrew Bail Application

Abubakar cited the surprise appearance of another lawyer as the trigger. He told the court another counsel claimed instructions from some persons to lead or represent Justice Crack. Abubakar added that standard legal practice requires prior approach to the existing counsel in such situations.

Abubakar explained his involvement began when Justice Crack’s wife reached out for pro bono representation. He noted he had written to the Minister of Justice seeking discontinuance of the matter. Abubakar also met alongside activist Omoyele Sowore and comrades with the Director of Public Prosecutions and ministry officials.

Once Abubakar withdrew his appearance the court struck out every process filed including the bail application. He stated that withdrawal carries consequential orders and the application goes with it. Balogun later told the court he would file a fresh bail application.

Protest Erupts Outside Federal High Court

Turmoil extended beyond the courtroom. Presidential aspirant of the Action Alliance Omoyele Sowore led a protest at the premises of the Federal High Court Abuja. Demonstrators chanted “free Justice Crack Now” as the hearing unfolded inside.

The protest reflected broader support for the activist’s release. Sowore had previously joined Abubakar in meetings with justice ministry officials on the case. No further details on protest size or duration appear in reports.

Background on Justice Crack and the Charges

Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, is an Abuja-based social critic who was arrested on April 28 by officers of the Nigerian Army after leaving home for what he told his wife was a meeting, shortly after receiving a phone call. He was subsequently held incommunicado for four days over allegations of criticising the Nigerian Army's feeding arrangements.

The defendant faces cybercrime charges filed by the Department of State Services. He was arraigned 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.

One of the charges against him read that he circulated information through his social media handle @JusticeCrack regarding alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian Army personnel, which he allegedly knew to be false, posted for the purpose of causing annoyance, ill will, and hatred, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended.

Marshall Breaks Silence: "I Still Want Justice for Justice Crack"

Following the dramatic proceedings on Thursday, Marshall Abubakar broke his silence, denying harbouring any personal grievance against the detained activist. He insisted that his decision to withdraw from the proceedings was taken to avoid worsening tensions within the defence team.

Marshall said, "I was willing to continue with the matter despite the conflict of interest, but after the decision by some of our comrades to ensure that another lawyer comes in and takes over the proceedings, forced me to willfully withdraw my appearance so that another bail application can be filed and the case can proceed." He added that he still wants justice for Justice Crack.

He also stated, "I do not hold grudges, and I do not have any personal grievance against any person."

Rival Counsel Femi Balogun Calls the Withdrawal "Unfair"

Balogun told journalists after the hearing that he was directed by the family of the activist, specifically the wife of Justice Crack, to represent her husband, and that he had taken up the matter pro bono.

Balogun accused Marshall of frustrating the bail process after being prevented from leading the case, stating, "Because he was not allowed to lead, he applied to withdraw the bail application he personally filed. That decision was unfair and unnecessary."

Balogun argued that internal disagreements among lawyers should not stand in the way of the defendant's right to seek bail. "If the interest of justice is the priority, there should be no reason to withdraw an application simply because another lawyer is leading the proceedings," he said.

AGF Takes Over Prosecution from DSS

When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, was confirmed to have taken over the prosecution from the Department of State Services, although the prosecution did not oppose any application during Thursday's proceedings.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ordered the prosecution to open its case on the adjourned date or have it struck out for want of diligent prosecution.

VeryDarkMan and Public React to the Court Setback

Social media activist VeryDarkMan expressed disappointment over the events, describing the situation as "shameful" and driven by pride and ego. He stated that Marshall had reportedly just returned from Turkey because of the case and had been talking about it for days.

Online reactions were sharply divided. X user @maneekofficial wrote that Marshall had lost respect for "letting VDM use him." Another user, @Realjeks, accused the activist of manipulation, while a third commenter questioned why two people pursuing the same goal allowed the dispute to overshadow Justice Crack's freedom.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was also reportedly present at the court premises during proceedings, alongside other supporters demanding the activist's release.

What Happens Next: Fresh Bail Hearing on May 18

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 18 for the hearing of a fresh bail application expected to be filed by the new defence team. The setback means the influencer will remain in custody pending the next court hearing.

Another member of the defence team identified as Wayne described the development as "a sad incident," confirming that with the withdrawal, there was nothing left before the court for consideration as of Thursday. He said, "My Lord graciously granted a short adjournment for another bail application to be filed.".

The case has generated widespread discussions on social media concerning cybercrime laws, online speech, and freedom of expression in Nigeria.