Tension flared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a group of youths staged a protest over the continued detention of blogger Justice Crack, disrupting proceedings shortly after his arraignment.
The situation escalated when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to escort the influencer out of the courtroom.
In a swift reaction, protesters formed a human barricade around the security personnel, preventing their movement and chanting, “Free Justice Crack,” while insisting his detention was unjust.
The demonstrators grew more vocal, directing their demands at the nation’s top justice official.
“We want to see the minister! (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation). Call the minister! Let him come out! Protest is a fundamental human right!” they shouted.
Amid the standoff, some protesters urged wider public participation, calling on Abuja residents to converge on the Federal Ministry of Justice.
“Everybody please come to the Ministry of Justice, we need you Nigerians. They said Justice’s next court date is May 26, which means he will remain there for one month. Please help us and come out if you’re in Abuja,” one protester said.
The protest drew the presence of prominent activists and influencers, including Omoyele Sowore and Peter Akah, who joined the crowd in pressing for the blogger’s immediate release