KEY POINTS

• Activist Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has been released from DSS detention after nearly four weeks in custody.
• The Federal High Court granted him bail with strict conditions, including a N5 million bond and a senior civil servant as surety.
• The activist was detained over alleged cybercrime offences linked to viral videos criticising the Nigerian Army and exposing alleged abuses.

Human rights activist and blogger, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has regained his freedom after spending nearly four weeks in the custody of the Department of State Services.

The development was announced on Thursday night by former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, through a post shared on X.

Celebrating the activist’s release, Sowore described the detention as unlawful and unjust, stating that the victory belonged to Nigerians and activists who resisted intimidation and demanded justice throughout the period of detention.

According to him, public pressure, advocacy campaigns, and continuous calls for accountability played a significant role in securing Justice Crack’s freedom.

Before his eventual release, concerns had emerged over alleged attempts by the DSS to frustrate the activist’s freedom despite meeting most of his bail conditions.

Sowore had accused the secret police of deliberately withholding Justice Crack’s international passport, a move he claimed complicated the final procedures required for his release from custody.

The allegations further intensified criticism from civil society organisations and social media users, many of whom questioned the handling of the case and the prolonged detention of the activist.

Court Grants Bail With Strict Conditions

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had earlier granted bail to Justice Mark Chidiebere on May 18, 2026.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the bail application and fixed bail at N5 million with one surety in like sum.

The court imposed several strict conditions for the bail, including that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and maintain a verified residential address for at least four years.

The surety was also required to provide proof of residence through either a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy deposited with the court registry.

In addition, the court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, submit a letter of authentication from the immediate head of department, and show proof of pensionable employment.

Justice Abdulmalik further directed the surety to submit an affidavit of means and a recent passport photograph, while Justice Crack himself was ordered to deposit his passport with the court.

Justice Crack is currently being prosecuted by the DSS over alleged cybercrime offences connected to a viral video involving the Nigerian Army.

According to family members and supporters, the activist’s troubles began after he publicly criticised the military over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a civilian and repeatedly highlighted the poor welfare conditions faced by rank-and-file soldiers.

Supporters claimed his activism and online commentary made him a target of security agencies.

During the period of his detention, emotional testimonies from relatives of Justice Crack sparked nationwide outrage.

In a viral video, a woman identified as his relative alleged that the activist was chained to a tree and left outdoors for about 72 hours because he spoke up for oppressed Nigerians and criticised the military establishment.

She accused authorities of targeting him for exposing what she described as the brutal killing of a civilian by soldiers and for advocating improved welfare for underpaid and neglected military personnel.

The allegations generated widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians demanding an independent investigation into claims of torture and abuse.