The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered social media blogger and personality Chidiebere Mark, better known as Justice Crack, to remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending his trial on cybercrime-related charges. The remand follows Mark’s arraignment on three counts alleging he published false and damaging content online.
Charges Stemming from Viral Video Post
According to the DSS, the case centres on a viral video Mark posted on his X handle @JusticeCrack, in which he claimed that Nigerian Army soldiers were poorly fed and suffering inadequate welfare, assertions the military said were untrue and harmful to its reputation.
Authorities allege the content was capable of undermining public confidence and tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army, and also charged him with conduct capable of breaching public peace and committing a felony under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Justice Crack Pleads Not Guilty
Mark pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him in open court on Monday. Following his plea, prosecution counsel Mr. E. Orubo urged the court to set a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody until the matter is concluded. The defence, led by Mr. Marshall Abubakar, filed an oral application for bail, which was refused by the court, which instructed that a formal bail motion be filed for later consideration.
Remand Order and Trial Date
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that Mark remain in DSS custody until May 25, 2026, when his trial is scheduled to begin.
Backstory: Arrest and Army Involvement
The controversy over Justice Crack began in late April, when he went missing after posting videos criticising soldiers’ welfare conditions, prompting concern on social media. His disappearance triggered widespread alarm, with family members reporting that he had not returned home after dropping off his child at school and becoming unreachable.
The Nigerian Army later confirmed his arrest after preliminary investigations showed he had engaged in conversations with soldiers that the military described as bordering on incitement and subversion, claiming his actions went beyond merely reporting welfare issues. The Army said his online conduct was also seen as breaching its social media policy, warranting his transfer to civil authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Public Reaction and Protests
Following the court’s remand order, footage circulating online showed that angry youths blocked DSS operatives attempting to take Mark away from the court premises, with some protesters chanting “Free Justice Crack” and decrying his detention as unjust. Reports indicate that activists and rights campaigners, including Omoyele Sowore, publicly demanded his release, arguing that his arrest was connected to his commentary rather than any legitimate criminal conduct.
Legal and Security Implications
The case has reignited debates around freedom of expression, cybercrime enforcement, social media regulation, and national security. Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for how influencers and critics are treated under Nigeria’s cybercrime and public peace laws. Human rights groups have urged authorities to ensure that justice is served fairly without undermining civil liberties.
As the trial date looms, all attention will be on the Federal High Court’s handling of the matter and the wider implications for online commentary in Nigeria.
