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  • Court Grants Justice Crack ₦5m Bail in Cybercrime Case Amid Viral Soldiers’ Video Row

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, bringing temporary relief for the detained influencer who has been in custody over cybercrime-related allegations.

    Bail conditions outlined by court

    The court ordered that the defendant must produce a surety in the sum of ₦5 million as part of the bail conditions.

    Justice Crack is expected to meet the requirements before his release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

    Case linked to viral military video

    The activist was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, including the circulation of false information said to be capable of causing public unrest.

    The charges stem from a viral video relating to comments about soldiers’ welfare, which later triggered public debate online.

    He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Earlier courtroom setback

    The case had suffered an earlier delay on May 14, 2026, after a bail application was withdrawn following a dispute between two lawyers over representation.

    The court later struck out the earlier processes and adjourned the matter to May 18 for hearing of a fresh bail application, which was eventually successful.

    The development has continued to generate reactions online, with supporters of the activist celebrating the ruling while others await further legal proceedings.

  • Justice Crack’s Bail Hearing Stalls After Lawyers Clash in Abuja Court

    Popular Nigerian blogger and social media influencer Chidiebere Justice Mark, widely known as Justice Crack, remained in DSS custody on Thursday after confusion among his defense lawyers forced the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn his bail hearing.

    The hearing, held before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ended abruptly after two lawyers announced separate appearances for the defendant, creating disagreement over who should officially lead the defense team.

    Drama Over Legal Representation

    Barrister Marshal Abubakar, who earlier filed the pending bail application, appeared in court alongside another lawyer, Olufemi Balogun, who also claimed representation for Justice Crack.

    The situation escalated after the influencer reportedly informed the court that Balogun would take charge of his defense moving forward.

    Following the development, Abubakar withdrew from the case and also withdrew the bail application he had previously filed on behalf of the defendant.

    With no active bail application before the court, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the processes filed by the former counsel, effectively halting the hearing.

    AGF Takes Over Prosecution

    During proceedings, a representative from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation informed the court that the AGF had officially taken over the prosecution of the matter.

    Balogun later told the court that he would file a fresh bail application for the defendant.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the case to Monday, May 18, 2026, for hearing of the new application. She also directed the prosecution to open its case on the next adjourned date or risk the matter being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

    How Justice Crack Landed in DSS Custody

    Justice Crack was arrested in April after a viral video in which he criticised feeding conditions and welfare treatment of Nigerian soldiers.

    The DSS later charged him with alleged cybercrime-related offences, including circulating false information and publishing materials considered capable of causing unrest.

    He was arraigned on May 4 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

    The court then ordered that he be remanded in DSS custody pending trial and consideration of his bail request.

    Supporters Shut Out of Courtroom

    Outside the courtroom, supporters, associates, and activists gathered in solidarity with the influencer.

    Reports from the court premises indicated that several friends and sympathizers were denied access into the courtroom during proceedings.

    Clips circulating across social media also showed reactions to the disagreement among members of the defense team, with many Nigerians describing the situation as unfortunate and avoidable.

    Public Attention Grows

    The case has continued to attract national attention due to wider debates around freedom of expression, military welfare, and online criticism in Nigeria.

    Justice Crack is expected to remain in DSS custody until the next hearing scheduled for May 18.

     

  • Rufai Oseni Raises Alarm Over Justice Crack Arrest, Questions Military Action

    Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has reacted strongly to the reported arrest of content creator Justice Crack, questioning the Nigerian military’s justification and the manner of his detention.

    The incident follows a viral video in which Justice Crack raised concerns about the welfare of Nigerian soldiers.

    Rufai questions basis of arrest

    Speaking on the development, Rufai challenged the allegations against the content creator, particularly claims that the information he shared was false.

    He argued that the issues highlighted are already widely known, even among military personnel.

    “What exactly did he say that many military personnel themselves are not already complaining about?” he asked.

    “He was picked up against his will”

    Rufai also criticised how the arrest was reportedly carried out, describing it as forceful and lacking due process.

    According to him, Justice Crack was taken into custody against his will, raising concerns about the legality of the action.

    “He was picked up against his will… he was practically kidnapped until people started speaking up,” he said.

    Concerns over free expression

    The journalist further warned that such incidents could have wider implications for freedom of expression in the country.

    He suggested that individuals who speak on sensitive national issues could become vulnerable if due process is not followed.

    “I am speaking up today because it can happen to anyone,” he added.

    Debate grows over accountability

    The development has since triggered conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the balance between national security and the right to speak out.

    While some support the need for caution around sensitive information, others argue that concerns about soldiers’ welfare should not attract punitive measures.

  • Army Explains Arrest of ‘Justice Crack’, Denies Rights Abuse Allegations

    The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, following complaints linked to posts about soldiers’ welfare.

    Army cites welfare complaints, social media posts

    In a statement issued on May 2, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the case began after some soldiers raised concerns about feeding and welfare, which were later shared online by the blogger.

    The Army said the development triggered an internal review in line with its social media policy.

    Allegations of incitement raised

    According to the statement, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare issues.

    The Army alleged that some of the discussions bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the ranks.

    “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 noted.

    Blogger, soldiers taken into custody

    The Army confirmed that both the blogger and the affected soldiers were taken into custody for investigation.

    It added that while the soldiers remain under military custody, Justice Chidiebere has been handed over to civil authorities for further action.

    Army insists on rule of law

    The military maintained that its actions were within legal boundaries and aimed at preserving discipline and national security.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” the statement added.