Barrister Abubakar Marshal has spoken publicly for the first time following the withdrawal of a bail application filed on behalf of detained Nigerian blogger and activist Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack.
The dramatic withdrawal occurred on Thursday during proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja after a disagreement emerged among members of the defence team over courtroom appearance and leadership of the case.
Addressing journalists after the session, Marshal denied having any personal disagreement with the activist or other members of the legal team, insisting that his decision was aimed at preventing further tension that could affect the case.
According to him, he remained committed to securing justice and freedom for the detained blogger despite the courtroom incident.
“I still want justice for Justice Crack,” the lawyer stated while explaining that he chose to step aside after what he described as internal disagreements within the defence team.
Marshal said he initially intended to continue handling the matter but decided to withdraw his appearance after efforts were made for another lawyer to take over the proceedings.
He maintained that he harboured no personal resentment toward anyone involved and stressed that disagreements among allies should not undermine the broader objective of securing the defendant’s release.
The matter had originally been scheduled for hearing of a bail application filed by Marshal on behalf of the activist, who is currently being held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The case attracted public attention following allegations that the activist was tortured while in military custody before being transferred to the DSS.
Court proceedings reportedly became tense after another defence lawyer, Olufemi Balogun, announced appearance for the defence team before Marshal entered the courtroom and objected.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently asked the defendant to identify who should lead his defence, while also urging the lawyers to resolve the disagreement amicably.
After Marshal withdrew the bail application, the court struck out the processes filed by him and adjourned the matter until May 18, 2026, for hearing of a fresh bail request.
Another member of the defence team identified as Wayne later described the development as unfortunate, noting that the withdrawal left no valid application before the court for consideration during Thursday’s sitting.