The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media personality Justice Mark Chidiebere, widely known as Justice Crack, following rising public interest and online speculation.
In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the development stemmed from complaints raised by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare concerns.
The Army noted that the grievances, which surfaced on social media platforms, prompted an internal review to determine possible breaches of established communication protocols within the Armed Forces.
According to preliminary findings, the affected soldiers had engaged in discussions with Chidiebere, during which a wide range of issues were reportedly explored, including matters deemed sensitive to military cohesion and discipline.
The statement further alleged that certain exchanges between the blogger and the soldiers suggested attempts to incite discontent within the ranks, with one particular conversation reportedly bordering on subversive conduct.
Military authorities stressed that any form of external influence capable of exploiting perceived vulnerabilities among personnel poses a significant threat to operational integrity and national security.
Consequently, the Army confirmed that Chidiebere was taken into custody alongside the soldiers involved to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
While the soldiers are currently being held within military custody, the Army disclosed that Chidiebere has since been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further inquiry and possible prosecution under applicable laws.
The service emphasized that the ongoing investigation is focused not only on determining culpability but also on reinforcing adherence to the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and safeguarding institutional discipline.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the Nigerian Army maintained that all actions taken are within the ambit of the law, adding that it will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served while protecting national sovereignty.