The Nigerian military has come under renewed scrutiny following allegations that social media activist Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, was abducted and subjected to prolonged torture, including being reportedly chained to a tree under the sun for over 72 hours by army personnel.
Reports and family accounts allege that the activist’s ordeal stemmed from his public commentary on the alleged extrajudicial killing of a civilian by soldiers and his criticism of welfare conditions affecting lower-ranking military personnel.
In a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @drkenon2 and widely circulated online, a woman believed to be a relative of the activist was seen in tears as she described what she claimed were the harsh conditions under which he was being held.
She questioned what she described as the treatment of citizens in the country, alleging that Justice Crack was punished for speaking out on behalf of ordinary Nigerians and calling for accountability within the system.
According to her account, he was allegedly tied to a tree and left exposed for an extended period while in military custody, a situation she said reflected a growing climate of intolerance toward dissenting voices.
She also alleged that the activist became a target after raising concerns about the killing of a civilian by soldiers and advocating for improved conditions for enlisted personnel within the armed forces.
The video and accompanying allegations triggered widespread reactions across social media, with many users condemning the military’s actions and calling for his immediate release or transfer to civilian law enforcement authorities if any offence had been committed.
Some commentators raised concerns about what they described as selective enforcement and questioned whether due process was followed in the handling of the case, while others linked the incident to broader tensions surrounding freedom of expression in the country.
However, not all reactions supported the activist’s narrative, as some users online suggested alternative interpretations of his activities, including allegations of misconduct or political motives, though no official evidence was presented to substantiate such claims.
The incident has added to a series of past allegations against the military involving the detention of civilians and critics without clear judicial processes, further intensifying public debate over the limits of military authority in civilian matters.
Calls for accountability have continued to grow under the hashtag #FreeJusticeCrackNow, with demands that authorities clarify his status and ensure that any investigation is handled through appropriate legal channels.
