Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation

By: Michael Mike

The bail application filed by
Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, on Thursday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja after two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, clashed over who to represent him.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had, on May 4, fixed today for hearing of Mark’s bail request shortly after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge.

The adjournment followed an application by Mark’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who told the court of the need to admit his client to bail pending trial.

The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.

The defendant, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army, was accused of publishing the viral video and accompanying statements through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.

However, things took a dramatic twist as Femi Balogun and Abubakar stood up to announce appearance for the same Crack.

Balogun told the court that he was briefed by Mark’s family to take up the case.

He notified the court about the defence bail application already filed.

However, Abubakar stood his ground, insisting that he was the defendant’s lawyer, who had been appearing in the case and he had not been disengaged from handling Crack’s matter.

Justice Abdulmalik then asked the defendant to identify his lawyer and Mark pointed at Balogun.

Against this development, Abubakar applied to withdraw all the processes he filed in respect of the case, including the bail application which Balogun had relied on.

The judge struck out the processes filed by Abubakar and adjourned until May 18 for hearing of the fresh bail application.

Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation

Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Germany have reinforced their long-standing development and economic partnership with new commitments spanning financial cooperation, private sector investment, skills development, energy transition, agriculture, and digital transformation.

The renewed collaboration was reaffirmed during high-level bilateral engagements and the signing of a Summary of Record in Abuja, where both governments reviewed progress in ongoing programmes and agreed on expanded areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s reform and development agenda.

Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the partnership as a key milestone in Nigeria–Germany relations, noting that it reflects shared priorities anchored on mutual respect, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.

He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Government of Germany, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Development Bank, GIZ, and other implementing partners, for what he described as constructive and forward-looking negotiations.

A major outcome of the engagements is Germany’s commitment of approximately €65 million in new financial and technical cooperation across agreed priority sectors. In addition, both countries discussed a proposed €300 million export credit guarantee framework, designed to mobilize private investment and expand long-term financing for strategic infrastructure and development projects in Nigeria.

Officials from both sides said the financing arrangements are intended not only to provide direct support but also to unlock broader capital flows into key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The expanded partnership prioritizes agricultural transformation, climate and energy transition, skills development, health systems strengthening, and inclusive economic growth.

German institutions and private sector actors including Siemens and SAP played a visible role in the engagement, showcasing ongoing projects in Nigeria. Siemens highlighted its involvement in energy sector skills development and power infrastructure-related initiatives, while SAP presented digital solutions aimed at modernizing tax administration and strengthening Nigeria’s digital governance systems.

The German delegation, led by Africa Director at BMZ, Mr. Philip Knill, also referenced ambitions to support large-scale skills development programmes, including proposals aimed at training up to one million Nigerians in technical, digital, and vocational competencies to enhance productivity and employment outcomes.

Both sides acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including macroeconomic stabilization efforts, energy sector reforms, healthcare transformation, and initiatives to improve the investment climate and stimulate private sector-led growth.

Knill expressed confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory, describing the country as a key partner in Africa with significant potential for industrial expansion, agricultural modernization, and energy transition.

Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all agreed programmes are nationally owned, properly coordinated, and aligned with long-term development frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2026–2030 and Agenda 2050.

As part of the broader engagement, German officials undertook field visits and technical discussions with Nigerian ministries and agencies, including energy infrastructure sites and development programme locations.

They highlighted existing cooperation outcomes, noting that joint Nigeria–Germany programmes have already supported hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers, improved access to training, and strengthened thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. These interventions, they said, have contributed to increased incomes and improved productivity in key sectors.

In the energy sector, both sides discussed ongoing efforts to expand generation capacity and improve transmission systems, with Germany expressing readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s power sector reforms and renewable energy ambitions.

A key feature of the engagement was the emphasis on development cooperation as a catalyst for private sector investment, innovation, and job creation. Officials stressed that future cooperation must go beyond aid, focusing instead on leveraging private capital and building sustainable economic partnerships.

Knill also noted the importance of strengthening economic ties between Europe and Africa in the context of global instability, including conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related challenges.

Both governments described the agreements not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of deeper implementation-focused cooperation.

German officials emphasized a “signing today, implementation tomorrow” approach, underscoring the importance of translating agreements into measurable development outcomes. Nigeria echoed this position, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring effective coordination and delivery of agreed programmes.

The renewed Nigeria–Germany partnership marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation across economic, technological, and development sectors. With fresh financing commitments, expanded private sector involvement, and a shared focus on structural reforms and human capital development, both countries say they are positioning the partnership for greater impact in the years ahead.

The engagement is expected to accelerate ongoing programmes and open new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s priority sectors, particularly energy, agriculture, digital economy, and skills development.

Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced

PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

By: Michael Mike

The President of the General Assembly of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) 2026, H.E. Timilehin Adewuyi, has called on governments, international organisations and private institutions to intensify efforts toward bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology-driven education across the world.

Speaking during the second session of the PAIMUN General Assembly held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Adewuyi described digital transformation in education as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and preparing future generations for global leadership.

Addressing delegates, diplomats and education stakeholders, the PAIMUN President said the world has entered an era where education can no longer remain dependent on traditional methods, stressing that technology has become central to building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.

“It is my profound privilege, as President of the General Assembly, to address this august gathering on the topic: ‘Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,’” he stated.

According to him, digital innovation has fundamentally changed the way knowledge is accessed, shared and applied globally, opening new opportunities for students to learn beyond geographical and economic limitations.

He noted that digital classrooms, virtual libraries, artificial intelligence and online learning platforms are equipping young people with critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and digital literacy.

Adewuyi stressed that these skills are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning young people to compete effectively in the global economy.

Despite the growing opportunities presented by technology, the PAIMUN President warned that millions of students, particularly in developing countries, still face severe barriers due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity and inadequate access to digital devices.

He said sustainable development would remain unattainable if educational opportunities continue to be unequal across regions and social groups.

“Governments, international organizations, and private institutions must work collectively to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no learner is left behind in this technological revolution,” he said.

Adewuyi further described digital education as more than an innovation, calling it a strategic investment in humanity’s future.

He urged delegates at the conference to remain committed to policies that promote responsible and inclusive technology adoption in education systems worldwide.

“By embracing technology responsibly and inclusively, we empower the next generation to drive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The PAIMUN conference, hosted by Premiere Academy, brought together student delegates simulating the United Nations General Assembly to debate global issues and propose solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and policy engagement.

The event focused extensively on how digital transformation can strengthen education systems, reduce inequalities and accelerate sustainable development across nations.

PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education