Chidiebere Bail Hearing Stalls as Lawyers Clash Over Lead Counsel in Court

Nigerian activist, Justice Chidiebere

Chidiebere Bail Hearing Stalls as Lawyers Clash Over Lead Counsel in Court

The bail hearing of Nigerian activist, Justice Chidiebere, was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after a dispute broke out within his defence team over who should take the lead in his legal representation. The disagreement led to the withdrawal of an earlier bail application already filed on his behalf, forcing the court to strike out the motion and adjourn proceedings to Monday, May 18, for the hearing of a fresh bail application.

According to proceedings in court, the tension began when senior defence counsel, Femi Balogun, and another lawyer on the team, Marshall Abubakar, disagreed over leadership of the defence. Balogun told journalists after the sitting that he was mandated by the defendant’s family to take over the case due to his seniority at the bar, arguing that proper legal hierarchy should be observed in court representation. He alleged that Abubakar, who initially filed the bail application, insisted on leading the defence despite the presence of senior counsel, creating friction within the legal team.

Balogun further claimed that Abubakar later moved to withdraw the bail application after he was prevented from continuing as lead counsel, describing the move as unnecessary and detrimental to the defendant’s liberty. He said, “I was directed by the family to lead in respect of the matter for today. Marshall, in his vindictive way, applied to strike out the bail application… which is unfair.” He maintained that internal disagreements among lawyers should not be allowed to affect a defendant’s right to bail or delay judicial proceedings.

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Following the withdrawal request, the court struck out the existing bail application and directed that a fresh motion be filed immediately. The matter was then adjourned to May 18 for hearing. Balogun confirmed that a new bail application would be submitted before the next sitting.

The defence counsel also disclosed that the prosecution of the case has now been taken over by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, from the Department of State Services (DSS), although no objection was raised during Thursday’s proceedings.

Court records indicate that Justice Chidiebere was previously remanded in custody over allegations linked to a viral video in which he allegedly criticised aspects of the Nigerian Army’s feeding arrangements. He is facing charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which has been used in several recent cyber-related prosecutions.

The case has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with supporters arguing that the charges reflect concerns over freedom of expression, while authorities maintain that the prosecution is based strictly on existing cybercrime legislation. Legal analysts say the latest courtroom disruption underscores how internal disagreements within defence teams can sometimes delay proceedings, especially in politically sensitive or high-profile cases. The matter is expected to return to court on May 18, where a fresh bail application will be heard as the legal battle continues.