The wife of detained Nigerian blogger and activist, Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, broke down in tears on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Barrister Marshall Abubakar withdrew the bail application he had filed on behalf of her husband, leaving the activist in continued detention over a dispute among members of his legal team about who should lead the defence.

The emotional scene at the court, which was presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, quickly spiralled into chaos outside the courtroom as some members of the public reportedly attempted to confront Barrister Abubakar over his decision to withdraw the application, a move widely perceived as prioritising personal ego over the liberty of the detained activist.

The matter had been scheduled for Thursday for the hearing of a bail application filed by Marshall Abubakar on behalf of Justice Crack, who is currently being held by the Department of State Services (DSS) after being arraigned on charges under the Cybercrimes Act for allegedly circulating false information criticising the Nigerian Army’s feeding arrangements.

However, trouble erupted when another member of the defence team, Olufemi Balogun, stood up to announce appearance on behalf of the lawyers representing the defendant. Abubakar, who entered the courtroom shortly afterwards, reportedly objected and insisted that as the lawyer who filed the bail application and had led proceedings at the previous sitting, he had the right to introduce the defence team before the court.

The disagreement created visible tension inside the courtroom, prompting Justice Abdulmalik to ask the detained activist himself to identify which of the lawyers he wanted to lead his defence. The judge also reportedly advised the lawyers to resolve the disagreement amicably, noting that since they were appearing for the same client, one counsel could simply announce appearance and introduce the others.

Abubakar, however, maintained his objection and subsequently informed the court that he would withdraw the bail application if he was not allowed to lead the proceedings — a decision that reportedly surprised the court, with the judge asking whether he truly intended to withdraw all processes filed on behalf of the defendant.

Following the withdrawal of Abubakar’s appearance, the court struck out the bail application and adjourned the matter to Monday, May 18, 2026, for the hearing of a fresh bail application.

Speaking to the media after the proceedings, Barrister Abubakar denied harbouring any personal grievance against the detained activist and insisted that his decision to withdraw was taken to avoid worsening tensions within the defence team.

Abubakar maintained that he had been leading the defence from the onset and had personally initiated significant efforts to secure the activist’s release, including writing to the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking discontinuance of the case. He disclosed that he, alongside activist Omoyele Sowore and other comrades, had met with the Minister of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice to secure Justice Crack’s release.

“I cut short my stay in New York City because of this case. If I have a contrary interest in this matter, I will not stand in court,” Abubakar stated. He disclosed that he took up the case pro bono after being contacted by the activist’s wife and had never received any payment from anyone in respect of the matter.

Abubakar argued that proper legal procedure required Balogun to approach him before announcing his appearance in court, rather than springing the announcement without prior notice. He said the dispute was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

“You do not fight with your friends in the presence of your enemies and destroy your ammunition. So, it was on that basis that I wanted today’s episode to end,” Abubakar said.

He insisted he bore no grudges. “On a personal note, I do not hold grudges, and I do not have any personal grievance against any person,” he said, adding that he still desired justice and freedom for Justice Crack.

Abubakar also used the occasion to call for unity among progressive and left-leaning activists, stating: “Those of us in the left, we are very few, we are in danger. It does not serve any purpose to see that the people who are fighting for democracy are fighting amongst themselves. We have a bigger battle.”

On his part, Femi Balogun accused Abubakar of frustrating the bail process out of vindictiveness. Balogun said he was directed by Justice Crack’s family to lead the matter because he was senior to Abubakar at the Bar.

“But Marshall, in his vindictive way, applied to strike out the bail application on the basis that he’s not leading, which is unfair. Ordinarily, if he’s doing this for justice, for the interest of justice, I don’t see a reason, even if you are not the counsel leading, why you should withdraw the bail application you have filed for the person to enjoy his liberty,” Balogun stated.

Balogun also disclosed that the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had taken over the prosecution of the case from the Department of State Services.

Another member of the defence team identified simply as Wayne described the development as deeply regrettable. “It is indeed a sad incident, a very sad one, but that is the situation,” Wayne said.

The incident triggered a wave of public outrage on social media, with the overwhelming majority of reactions condemning Barrister Abubakar for prioritising his ego over the liberty of a detained citizen.

A user identified as Kingkosec captured the dominant sentiment, writing: “If you aren’t an opportunist, why will it matter? The end of it, is it not for Justice Crack to be released? Why forcing yourself to be the lead lawyer? Are you interested in freeing him or growing your firm?”

Another user, Marcel, wrote: “That means Peter is saying the truth. Barrister Marshal withdrew the bail which is now a personal interest, not to free Justice. He only wants to get the praises that he’s the one that freed him. Justice will be free regardless.”

A commenter posting as Voice of the People wrote: “May we never be in a situation that will make activist/charge-and-bail lawyers use to take glory.”

Others were more blunt in their assessment. One user, The Real Jeks, simply called Abubakar a “self-serving lawyer,” while another identified as Caroline Monday described him as “a greedy lawyer.” A user named John Forteta wrote: “Short people and pride. So all this is just for ego, Mr Marshall.”

Some users focused on the human cost of the dispute. One user, Omotolani Adebanjo, wrote in apparent disbelief: “Justice Crack still dey inside,” highlighting the fact that while lawyers argued over protocol, the activist remained behind bars.

However, a few voices offered more measured takes. Mazi Okwuoma wrote: “Public transparency from defence counsel is crucial when handling cases of this magnitude. Hearing the legal rationale behind the abrupt withdrawal helps neutralize speculation and provides much needed clarity on the procedural strategy being deployed.”

Another user, Mills, offered some sympathy for Abubakar’s position: “Kinda understand him. Why did the other lawyer wait for him to get to court before telling him he wants to lead?”

Justice Crack was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and remanded in custody over a viral video allegedly criticising the Nigerian Army’s feeding arrangements. He was charged under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

The bail application came amid mounting public outrage over allegations that the activist was tortured in military custody before being transferred to the DSS. The case has continued to attract widespread public attention, with supporters describing the prosecution as an attempt to suppress dissent and freedom of expression.

The activist remains in prison custody pending the hearing of a fresh bail application on Monday, May 18, 2026.

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