Society
Justice Crack Pleads Not Guilty as Prosecution Opens Case
The Federal Government on Monday opened its case against Nigerian social media influencer, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known online as “Justice Crack,” over alleged cybercrime and felony-related offences before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Chidiebere appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and pleaded not guilty to the amended three-count charge filed against him by the prosecution.
During proceedings, the prosecution presented its first witness, identified as Oronto Douglas, who told the court that audio and video recordings from the defendant’s interview had been downloaded onto a flash drive. He further informed the court that a certificate of compliance had been duly signed in line with legal requirements for electronic evidence.
However, defence counsel challenged the admissibility of the electronic evidence, arguing that the contents of the flash drive had not been properly verified before being tendered in court. The court subsequently faulted the prosecution for failing to make the appropriate application for a playback device through the court’s Information Technology department.
The prosecution later explained that an earlier application had been submitted to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, but Justice Abdulmalik maintained that the request ought to have been directed to the head of the IT department for proper handling of the forensic materials.
Counsel to the defendant also urged the court to allow the bail conditions earlier granted to remain in force pending the continuation of the trial. The prosecution did not oppose the request, and the court upheld the existing bail conditions.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until September 28 for continuation of hearing and further consideration of the electronic evidence expected to be presented by the prosecution.
The case has continued to attract public attention following reports that the allegations are linked to viral social media content concerning the welfare of Nigerian soldiers.