- Trial for May 25
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned popular blogger and social media influencer, Chidiebere Justice Mark, aka Justice Crack before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime.
Mark, who was arrested by the Nigerian Army over the weekend, was accused of circulating false information in a viral video, and accompanying statements, through his X handle regarding alleged inadequate feeding of soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
ThE Army had admitted to the arrest of Justice Crack following days of agitation, saying he was being detained for alleged acts of subversion against Nigeria and alleged incitement of soldiers through the amplifying of their grievances.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said the social media influencer/blogger did not only help dissatisfied soldiers post their grievances on poor welfare but he also had discussions with dissatisfied service men and women.
However, the charges against the blogger before the Federal High Court Abuja include: Count One – “That you, CHIDIEBERE JUSTICE MARK, adult, male, of Plot 88 Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja, on or about the 28th day of April, 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did circulate information to the public through your social media handle @JusticeCrack, regarding alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian Army personnel, which you know the said information to be false but posted it for the purpose of causing annoyance, ill will, and hatred, especially among the citizens who hold divergent views and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended.
“Count Two: That you, CHIDIEBERE JUSTICE MARK, adult, male, of Plot 88 Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja, on or about the 28th day of April, 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did publish and circulate a viral video and accompanying statements concerning the Nigerian Army through your X social media handle @JusticeCrack, which generated widespread negative public reactions and likely to cause fear and breach of peace and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
“Count Three read: That you, CHIDIEBERE JUSTICE MARK, adult, male, of Plot 88 Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja, on or about the 28th day of April, 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did attempt to commit felony to wit: publishing and circulating a derogatory video and accompanying statements concerning the Nigerian Army through your X social media handle @JusticeCrack, which generated widespread negative public reactions and likely to cause fear and breach of peace and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.”
Following Mark’s arraignment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The judge ordered that he be remanded in DSS custody.
Colonel Anele in the Nigerian Army statement titled ‘CLARIFICATION ON THE ARREST OF JUSTICE MARK CHIDIEBERE (JUSTICE CRACK),’ said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army was drawn to the complaint made by some soldiers regarding their feeding and other matters relating to their welfare as posted on social media by a blogger/social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (Justice Crack).
“While the matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public, preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system. An example was a chat bothering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers. It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security.
“Hence, Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation. While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served. We will continue to act within the ambits of the law in safeguarding our sovereignty.”
