The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cybercrime offences linked to social media activity.
Mark, who was arrested over the weekend, is facing a three-count charge related to the circulation of a viral video and posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, @JusticeCrack.
During proceedings, the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, inquired whether the defence had filed a bail application. Defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, informed the court that no such application had been submitted.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the first count accuses Mark of knowingly disseminating false information via social media with the intent to incite public discontent, an offence punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
The second count alleges that he published and circulated a video and related statements capable of inciting fear and disturbing public peace, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.
In the third count, the defendant is accused of attempting to commit a felony by distributing content deemed likely to cause public unrest.
Prosecutors claim the viral content included false allegations regarding the welfare and feeding conditions of personnel of the Nigerian Army, which reportedly generated widespread public reactions.
The case is expected to continue later this month as legal proceedings unfold.
