By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, in the custody of the Department of State Services over a viral social media video alleging poor feeding of Nigerian soldiers.
Mark was arraigned by the DSS before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime offences, specifically the circulation of false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.
The defendant was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army over the weekend following outrage sparked by his post on X, formerly Twitter, through his handle @JusticeCrack. The video alleged inadequate feeding of Army personnel and quickly gained traction online.
One of the charges read that on or about April 28, 2026, in Abuja, Mark “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.”
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended. The DSS argued that the post was likely to incite disaffection among citizens.
In count two, the prosecution alleged that Mark published and circulated a viral video and accompanying statements concerning the Nigerian Army, which allegedly generated widespread negative reactions and was likely to cause fear and breach of peace.
The third count accused him of attempting to commit a felony through the publication of what the DSS described as a derogatory video and statements against the Army. According to the charge, the publication was capable of causing fear and breach of peace, contrary to Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
Mark pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel applied for bail, but the prosecution opposed it, citing the need to conclude investigations and the sensitive nature of the allegations involving national security.
After hearing arguments, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of the bail application. The court directed that the defendant remain in DSS custody pending determination of the case.
The case has reignited debate over Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, free speech, and the military’s response to criticism on social media. Civil society groups are expected to monitor proceedings closely as the trial begins.
