A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of blogger and social media personality Chidiebere Mark, widely known as Justice Crack, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The ruling was delivered on Monday following his arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over a three-count charge related to alleged cybercrime offenses.
According to the DSS, Mark is accused of sharing misleading information about the Nigerian Army, specifically claiming that soldiers are inadequately fed.
The allegation stems from a video he shared on his 𝕏 account (@JusticeCrack), which reportedly went viral and was said to contain statements capable of damaging the Army’s reputation.
The charges further include claims that his actions could disturb public peace and constitute a felony.
When the charges were read in court, Mark pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, E. Orubo, requested that the court fix a date for trial and asked that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the hearing.
In response, defence counsel Marshall Abubakar made an oral application for bail on behalf of his client.
However, the court declined the request, stating that a formal bail application must be submitted before it can be considered.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently ordered that Mark remain in DSS custody until May 25, the date scheduled for the commencement of trial.
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Earlier, the Nigerian Army had confirmed his arrest, citing concerns raised after some soldiers reportedly engaged with him on social media about issues relating to their welfare and feeding.
The Army stated that initial findings suggested Mark may have encouraged discontent among the troops while spreading misleading information to the public.
