The Jussie Smollett hate hoax story officially blew up Thursday and Smollett has reportedly lawyered up.

As previously reported, Chicago police took two persons of interest in Smollett’s hate hoax crime into custody late Wednesday night.

The persons of interest were NIGERIAN BROTHERS — THEY WERE BLACK — NOT WHITE MAGA SUPPORTERS!

Police raided the home of the two persons of interest Wednesday night. Police took bleach, shoes, electronics and more. Both men are of Nigerian descent and appeared on the show ‘Empire.’

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Later Thursday it was reported by both ABC 7 Chicago and CBS Chicago that top sources are saying the MAGA hate crime against Smollett was staged.

Abimbola ‘Abel’ (left), 25, and Olabinjo ‘Ola’ Osundairo (right) are the two brothers being questioned over the Jussie Smollett attack. (Daily Mail)

The two Nigerian brothers Abimbola ‘Abel’ and Olabinjo ‘Ola’ Osundairo are now under arrest.

Now this…

Jussie Smollett has hired a very high-powered defense attorney — the same defense lawyer representing Michael Cohen.

Fox 32 reporter Rafer Weigel: High-profile #Chicago defense attorney Michael Monico let it be known he was representing #JussieSmollett on @RoeConn radio show today. Monico also represents #MichaelCohen. He’s considered one of the best defense lawyers in the country.

High-profile #Chicago defense attorney Michael Monico let it be known he was representing #JussieSmollett on @RoeConn radio show today. Monico also represents #MichaelCohen. He's considered one of the best defense lawyers in the country. — Rafer Weigel (@RaferWeigel) February 16, 2019

According to Chicago Police, no charges have been filed against the two Nigerian brother yet and Jussie Smollett is still considered a “victim” in the case.

“There will be no press conference in the Empire case,” Chicago Police spox Anthony Gugliemi said Friday evening, adding, “At this hours, individuals are still talking to detectives.”