The Federal High Court in Abuja on 4, May 2026 remanded Chidiebere Justice Mark AkA ‘Justice Crack” in the custodian of of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending further hearing of criminal charges brought against him by the department.
This follows Chidiebere Justice Mark AkA ‘Justice Crack” arraignment by DSS on three – count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.
Just on same Monday morning, Mark’s lawyer Marshall Abubakar had written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking intervention over Mark’s ‘disappearance.’ since April 28, 2026.
Surprisingly or disappointingly, Mark was on Monday arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja.
The defendant pleaded not guilty and was remanded in the custody of the DSS pending further proceeding on May 25, 2026 possibly for his bail application.
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 count one, he was alleged to have on April 28, 2026 disseminated information through his X social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigeria Army personnel, which he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b)of the cybercrimes ( Prohibition,Prevention, etc.)Act. 2015 as amended.
Count Two, states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace.This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Three accused Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
The Nigerian Army had on 2nd May clarified his arrest and adduced reasons for holding the social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack .”
In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, and signed by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army says Chidiebere’s arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Armed Forces’ social media policy and attempts to misinform the public.
According to the Army, the development began after some soldiers reportedly raised concerns about feeding and welfare issues, which were later shared on social media by Chidiebere.
However, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare concerns, including discussions 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 any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts that could undermine discipline poses serious risks to national security.
“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,” the statement added.
Following the development, Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers involved. While the soldiers remain in military custody, he has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law, stressing that all actions taken were within legal bounds.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” Anele stated.
The case has drawn public attention amid ongoing conversations about military welfare and freedom of expression on social media.