On May 18, 2026, journalists seeking to cover the trial of activist and social media commentator Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, were harassed and denied access to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to reports, journalists had arrived at the court to report on the ongoing cybercrime and public unrest case against Justice Crack, who was charged over videos he shared on X about the alleged poor feeding and welfare conditions of Nigerian soldiers.
Witnesses said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), police officers, and court security officials blocked journalists from entering the court premises even after many identified themselves as members of the press. Some journalists were left stranded outside the gate for hours as security officials tightened access around the courtroom.
The situation created tension at the court, with concerns raised over the treatment of journalists carrying out their professional duties.
