The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, also known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge related to cybercrime. Mark was arrested by the Nigerian Army over the weekend for allegedly circulating false information through a viral video and accompanying statements on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack. The content claimed that Nigerian Army personnel were being inadequately fed.
Details of the Charges
According to the charge sheet, the defendant posted the content on April 28, 2026, with the intent to cause annoyance, ill will, and hatred among the public. Count One alleges that Mark knowingly circulated false information via social media, violating Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended). Count Two states that he published and circulated the video and statements, which generated widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace, contrary to Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act. Count Three accuses him of attempting to commit a felony by publishing derogatory content about the Nigerian Army, which could incite public unrest, contrary to Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
Court Proceedings
Following the arraignment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 25, 2026, for trial and a possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime and the dissemination of false information, particularly when it concerns national security institutions like the Nigerian Army.
