The Nigerian Army has issued an official clarification regarding the arrest of blogger and social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, stating that his detention was linked to an ongoing investigation involving complaints raised by some soldiers over feeding conditions and welfare matters.
According to the Army, its attention was drawn to complaints allegedly made by serving personnel concerning their welfare and circulated on social media through the platform of the blogger.
The military authorities said the matter is now under investigation for possible breaches of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy as well as an alleged attempt to misinform the public.
In a statement released on Friday, the Nigerian Army explained that preliminary findings from its investigation revealed that the soldiers involved had discussions with Justice Chidiebere on a wide range of issues relating to their welfare and internal concerns.
However, the Army alleged that aspects of those discussions suggested attempts to incite dissatisfaction among personnel and create discontent within the military system.
According to the statement, one of the chats reviewed by investigators allegedly bordered on subversive conduct, which the Army described as a serious matter with potential implications for military discipline and national security.
The Army stated that situations in which civilians allegedly cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline or institutional stability carry broader security consequences and cannot be treated lightly.
It added that such interactions, if established, may affect operational cohesion, command structure, and confidence within the ranks, especially in a military environment where discipline remains central to effectiveness.Based on these concerns, the Army said Justice Chidiebere was taken into custody alongside the soldiers connected to the matter for the purpose of investigation.
The statement further clarified that while the soldiers remain in military custody, the blogger has since been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Army did not disclose the specific agency now handling the civilian aspect of the investigation, nor did it provide further details on the alleged chats or the identities of the soldiers involved.
The development has generated public attention, particularly on social media, where questions have been raised about the rights of personnel to express welfare concerns and the role of digital platforms in amplifying internal grievances.
Military authorities, however, maintained that welfare concerns and official complaints should be addressed through established internal channels rather than through unauthorised public disclosures that may compromise institutional order.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and stated that all actions taken in relation to the case were within legal boundaries and in line with due process.
It also pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served while safeguarding national sovereignty and internal discipline.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, and dated May 2, 2026.
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