Social media activist Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, has filed a ₦5 billion fundamental rights suit against the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney-General of the Federation over his alleged arrest, detention and abuse in military custody.
The suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja following Justice Crack’s arrest by soldiers on April 28, 2026. He alleges that he was unlawfully detained and subjected to torture and degrading treatment over a publication concerning the welfare of Nigerian soldiers and an alleged breach of the Army’s social media policy.
Justice Crack also alleged that his Hyundai saloon car was seized on April 28 and later released on June 9 in a damaged condition. He is asking the court to declare his alleged arrest, detention, investigation and treatment unconstitutional and unlawful.
In addition to the ₦5 billion in exemplary damages, he is seeking ₦100 million over the alleged seizure and damage to his vehicle, as well as ₦200 million in general damages. He is also asking the court to restrain the Army and its officers from further arresting, detaining or investigating him over the matter.
The suit is separate from the criminal proceedings Justice Crack is facing over the publication that led to his arrest. He was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged cybercrime-related offences and pleaded not guilty.
The Nigerian Army had previously defended his arrest, saying he was being investigated over alleged attempts to incite discontent among soldiers and that the matter involved discussions that allegedly bordered on subversion. The Army said it remained committed to operating within the law.
The latest fundamental-rights case now places Justice Crack’s allegations before the court for determination.
