Nigerian Army Reveals Why Influencer Justice Crack Was Arrested

Nigerian Army Reveals Why Influencer Justice Crack Was Arrested

The Nigerian Army has revealed the reason behind the arrest of popular social media influencer and content creator, Justice Mark Chidiebere, widely known online as Justice Crack.

The military said the influencer was detained after preliminary investigations allegedly showed that he engaged serving soldiers in conversations that bordered on subversion and attempts to create discontent within the military system.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army explained that its attention was initially drawn to social media posts made by Justice Crack concerning complaints from soldiers over feeding conditions and welfare challenges.

According to the Army, the complaints raised by the soldiers were being reviewed internally before investigators allegedly discovered that the discussions between the influencer and some military personnel went beyond welfare-related issues.

“Preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere, who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the statement said.

The military further alleged that one of the conversations between the influencer and the soldiers touched on issues considered subversive and capable of undermining military discipline.

“An example was a chat bordering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers,” the Army added.

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The Nigerian Army stressed that attempts by civilians to influence military personnel against constituted authority could pose serious threats to discipline, operational effectiveness and national security.

“A situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the statement noted.

The Army confirmed that Justice Crack was arrested alongside some soldiers connected to the matter.

While the military personnel involved remain in military custody, the influencer has reportedly been transferred to relevant civilian authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“Justice Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement read.

The Army also linked the arrest to alleged violations of the Armed Forces social media policy, accusing the influencer and the affected soldiers of spreading information considered misleading and harmful to military operations.

The development came after widespread concern on social media over the influencer’s sudden disappearance.

Before the Army’s clarification, Justice Crack’s wife had publicly appealed to Nigerians and government authorities for help after she reportedly lost contact with her husband for several days.

In an emotional video shared online, she said repeated calls to his phone went unanswered, describing the situation as unusual because her husband had never spent nights away from home without informing the family.

“I tried everything. I called his line from that Tuesday and it rang once, but nobody picked. The messages delivered at the same time and I became confused,” she said.

She further appealed directly to the Federal Government and security agencies to release her husband, insisting that their children needed their father.

“Please Nigerian government, bring my husband back to me and my children. My daughter is just six years old. They do not deserve this,” she pleaded.

The arrest had earlier sparked criticism from activists and social media users who questioned the circumstances surrounding his detention before the Army issued its official response.

Popular activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, was among those who demanded transparency regarding the influencer’s whereabouts and treatment while in custody.

Justice Crack became popular on social media for posting commentary on governance, insecurity and welfare concerns affecting Nigerian soldiers and citizens.

However, the Nigerian Army maintained that its actions were lawful and necessary to protect national security and military discipline.

“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.

Nigerian Army Reveals Why Influencer Justice Crack Was Arrested