ABUJA — Social media activist Chidiebere Justice, popularly known as Justice Cracks, has been arrested by soldiers, according to human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore and civil society sources.
The arrest follows Justice Cracks’ public commentary on the fatal shooting of a National Youth Service Corps member in Abuja and on the welfare of soldiers deployed to frontline duties.
The Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement confirming the arrest or detailing the charges against Justice. His current location remains unconfirmed, though Sowore alleged that Justice’s vehicle was later sighted at the Defence Intelligence Agency offices.
Why Justice Cracks Was Arrested
Sowore said Justice’s detention is linked to two issues the activist raised online. First, Justice spoke out against the reported extrajudicial killing of 24-year-old Abdulsamad Jamiu on April 26, 2026. Second, he highlighted conditions faced by soldiers on the frontlines.
Sowore alleged that Brigadier General W.A. Adegoke was responsible for picking up Justice. As of press time, the Defence Headquarters has not responded to requests for comment on the claim.
The NYSC Killing That Sparked Commentary
Abdulsamad Jamiu, known as “Kesh,” was a civil engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He was serving with the NYSC and was due to complete his service in May 2026. Family members said he planned to enlist in the Nigerian Army through the Direct Short Service Commission.
Jamiu was killed in his bedroom around 2:04 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, in the Dakwa area of Niger State, near Dei-Dei, Abuja.
His foster father, Engr. MomohSani Jimoh, said he received a call while in Kogi State for his mother’s burial. “At 2:04 a.m., my daughter called me. She said, ‘Daddy, daddy, the worst has happened.’ I said what happened? She said they have killed Samad,” Jimoh recounted.
Farida Jimoh, the victim’s sister, said she woke to a gunshot and found three men in army uniforms in the corridor. “They quickly flashed their flashlight in my eye,” she said. “I asked who is here. They said I should calm down, my attention is needed.”
Army’s Position on the Investigation
The Nigerian Army confirmed that an investigation into Jamiu’s death is ongoing. Lt. Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Guards Brigade, addressed the probe.
“Our press release said that the investigation is still going on,” Odunola stated. “Once the investigation is over, you will be updated.”
No timeline was given for the conclusion of the investigation. The NYSC has not issued a public statement on Jamiu’s death.
Civil Society Reaction
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education said the incident reflects what it described as a persistent pattern of alleged extrajudicial actions by security operatives. The group called for an independent review and for the protection of citizens who comment on public interest matters.
Legal practitioners point to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. They argue that detaining individuals for commentary on security issues raises questions about due process and civic space.
Current Status
As of April 30, 2026, mainstream national newspapers have not reported Justice Cracks’ arrest. Coverage has been limited to independent blogs, social media posts, and video commentary channels.
Sowore said the detention raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria. He called for Justice’s immediate release.
For now, two matters remain unresolved: the investigation into Abdulsamad Jamiu’s death and the legal basis for Chidiebere Justice’s detention by soldiers.
The Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Army have not responded to media inquiries on either issue as of press time.
