Justice Crack Files Fundamental Rights Suit Against Nigerian Army Over Alleged Abuse in Detention

Abuja, 30 September 2026

Social media commentator and activist Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has filed a fundamental rights action against the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney General of the Federation, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated during his arrest and detention earlier this year.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Mr Chidiebere said the suit was commenced through his legal team to seek a judicial determination of the circumstances surrounding his detention. He stated that he was taken into custody by members of the Nigerian Army on 28 April 2026.

According to him, he was subjected to severe and degrading treatment while in military custody. He alleged that he was handcuffed and blindfolded, kept under the sun during the day and in extremely cold conditions at night, and denied adequate access to water and other basic necessities.

Mr Chidiebere said he did not know what would happen to him at the time and that he cried out for help while holding on to his faith. He added that he remained grateful to God for preserving his life through the experience.

He said he was later transferred to the custody of the Department of State Services, where he spent about 21 days in detention. Although a court subsequently granted him bail, he said several months had passed without the alleged rights violations receiving the remedy provided by law.

The activist noted that he was again in court on 28 September 2026 as the criminal case against him continued. That prosecution followed his arrest after he published material concerning the welfare and feeding of Nigerian soldiers, allegations which the authorities have linked to offences under the Cybercrimes Act and related public order provisions. He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr Chidiebere stressed that the fundamental rights action was not an attempt to interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings. He described it as a lawful step to place the circumstances of his detention and the alleged breach of his constitutional rights before the courts.

He said he had chosen to pursue the matter through the judicial process because every citizen, regardless of views, position or circumstances, was entitled to the protection of the law and to respect for fundamental rights.

The statement, he said, was issued to notify the public that the action had been commenced. He added that he would continue to allow the courts to determine the issues before them and would refrain from comments that could prejudice the proceedings.

Mr Chidiebere said he was seeking justice, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney General of the Federation had not issued a public response to the new suit at the time of writing.

By A.Ikechukwu