By Amebo Newspaper NG
Social media activist, Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, has instituted a ₦5.3 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.
The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, centres on allegations of unlawful arrest and detention, torture, harassment and the seizure and alleged damage of his vehicle by personnel of the Nigerian Army.
According to the claims contained in the suit, Justice Crack alleged that he was arrested and detained by the Army in connection with what he described as a false publication and an alleged breach of the Nigerian Army's social media policy.
He further alleged that he was subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment during his detention.
Car seized for over a month
Justice also told the court that his Hyundai saloon car was seized and impounded by the Nigerian Army on April 28, 2026, in connection with the matter.
He alleged that the vehicle remained in the custody of the Army until June 9, 2026, when it was eventually released.
According to his claim, the vehicle was returned in a damaged condition, prompting him to seek additional compensation from the defendants.
The activist is asking the court to examine the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, alleged treatment while in custody and the seizure of his property.
What Justice Crack wants from the court
Among the reliefs being sought, Justice is asking the Federal High Court to declare the alleged actions of the defendants unconstitutional, unlawful and illegal.
He is also seeking an order restraining the Nigerian Army and its officers from further arresting, detaining or investigating him in relation to the matter.
In addition, the activist is demanding ₦5 billion in exemplary damages, citing alleged humiliation, harassment, intimidation, hardship and suffering arising from the incident.
He is seeking a further ₦100 million over the alleged seizure and damage to his Hyundai vehicle, as well as ₦200 million in general damages.
The total monetary claims contained in the suit therefore amount to ₦5.3 billion, apart from the declaratory and injunctive reliefs being sought.
Court to determine legality of alleged actions
The lawsuit places before the court questions concerning the circumstances of the activist's arrest and detention, the alleged treatment he received while in custody, the Army's handling of his vehicle and whether the actions complained of violated his constitutionally protected rights.
The allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court and have not been established by a judicial determination. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present their respective positions before the court.
The case is expected to draw attention to the balance between the enforcement of military regulations, including policies governing the use of social media, and the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens under Nigerian law.
As proceedings continue, the Federal High Court will determine the issues raised by the parties based on the evidence and legal arguments presented before it.
