The Federal Government on Monday opened its case against social media influencer, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” over alleged cybercrime and felony offences before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Chidiebere was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on an amended three-count charge bordering on alleged cyber-related offences.

When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, the prosecution commenced trial and called its first witness, Oronto Douglas, who testified before the court during the continuation of evidence-in-chief.

Douglas told the court that audio and video recordings obtained during the defendant’s interview session were downloaded into a flash drive as part of the investigation process.

The witness further stated that he signed a certificate of compliance relating to the electronic evidence tendered before the court in line with legal requirements.

During the proceedings, counsel to the defendant urged the court to allow the bail conditions earlier granted to Chidiebere to remain in force pending the determination of the case.

The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application.

Ruling on the request, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the existing bail conditions should continue and subsequently adjourned the matter until Sept. 28 for continuation of hearing.

The court also noted that the prosecution counsel, who had earlier made an application to the Deputy Chief Registrar, would further apply to the Head of the court’s Information Technology Department for the viewing of the forensic evidence connected to the matter.