Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja were disrupted on Thursday after a disagreement among lawyers representing Nigerian blogger Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, led to the withdrawal of his bail application.
The matter came before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik for the hearing of a bail application filed by defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, on behalf of the blogger, who remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The bail request followed recent interventions reportedly spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, who had engaged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, over the blogger’s detention.
Tension began shortly after the case was called when another member of the defence team, Olufemi M. Balogun, stood up to announce appearance for the defence.
Marshal, who reportedly entered the courtroom moments later, objected, insisting that as the lead counsel and lawyer who filed the bail application, he alone should introduce the defence team before the court.
The disagreement created confusion in the courtroom, prompting Justice Abdulmalik to ask the defendant to clarify who was leading his legal representation.
The judge reportedly encouraged the lawyers to resolve the issue amicably, noting that one counsel could simply announce appearance on behalf of the entire team.
However, Marshal maintained his objection and informed the court that he preferred to withdraw the bail application rather than proceed under the circumstances.
The court subsequently accepted the withdrawal, resulting in all related processes filed by the lawyer being struck out.
Justice Abdulmalik assured the defendant that a fresh bail application could be filed and heard on an accelerated basis. She then adjourned the matter to May 18, 2026, for trial and hearing of any new bail request.
The incident reportedly disappointed several activists and supporters present in court, many of whom had hoped the proceedings would lead to the blogger’s release from custody.
Speaking after the session, a member of the defence team identified simply as Wayne explained that the disagreement arose over which lawyer should formally lead the defence before the court.
According to him, once the defendant identified another counsel as lead representative, Marshal chose to withdraw his application, leaving no pending bail request for the court to consider.
The defence team is now expected to return to court on the adjourned date with a fresh bail application.