Esther Oseyiomon
The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded social media influencer, Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending further hearing on criminal charges filed against him.
Mark was arraigned on Monday, May 4, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the Nigerian military. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court subsequently ordered his remand in DSS custody and adjourned the matter to May 25, 2026, for further proceedings, including the possible hearing of his bail application.
His arraignment came hours after his counsel, Marshall Abubakar, had written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising concerns over the influencer’s alleged disappearance since April 28.
According to the charge sheet, Mark is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.
In the first count, he was alleged to have, on April 28, disseminated false information via his X (formerly Twitter) account regarding the feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, an offence said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
The second count alleges that he published a viral video and accompanying statements about the Nigerian Army which triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and breach of peace, contrary to Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
In count three, Mark is accused of attempting to commit a felony by circulating derogatory content about the Army, which authorities say could incite public unrest, an offence punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
Earlier, the Nigerian Army had confirmed his arrest in a statement issued on May 2, 2026, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The Army said the arrest followed an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of military social media policy and attempts to misinform the public.
According to the statement, the case originated from concerns raised by some soldiers over feeding and welfare issues, which were later shared online by the influencer. However, preliminary findings suggested that his engagement with the soldiers extended beyond welfare discussions to conversations the Army described as “bordering on subversion.”
“Preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the statement said.
The Army warned that attempts by civilians to influence serving personnel in ways that could undermine discipline pose serious national security risks.
“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,” it added.
Mark was arrested alongside the soldiers involved, who remain in military custody, while he was handed over to civil authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to due process, stating that all actions taken were within the bounds of the law.
The case has since attracted widespread public attention, amid ongoing debates around military welfare, digital activism, and the limits of free expression in matters relating to national security.