Why Army Hasn’t Transferred Detained Blogger To DSS

The Nigerian Army has yet to transfer social media influencer and blogger, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of State Services (DSS), contrary to earlier claims.

This Video Is Trending Right Now →

The Army had earlier confirmed Chidiebere’s arrest, accusing him of attempting to incite soldiers and plotting what it described as “subversion” against the military high command.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the blogger was arrested alongside some soldiers following preliminary investigations into viral social media posts on troop welfare and feeding.

The statement claimed that Chidiebere had been handed over to “relevant civil authorities” for further investigation and possible prosecution, but did not specify the agency.

The Army said, “While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

DSS Reportedly Reluctant To Take Custody

However, military sources told SaharaReporters that the agency referred to by the Army was the DSS.

The sources claimed on Sunday that Chidiebere had not yet been moved to DSS custody because the secret police were allegedly reluctant to accept him in his present condition.

One of the sources said, “Nigerian Army has yet to transfer Justice Crack to the DSS.

“They contacted the DSS on Saturday, but the fellow is said to be in bad shape, and DSS is careful not to accept him in battered condition.”

The source added, “They plan to charge him in court for encouraging mutiny.”

The Army’s statement followed public outrage over reports that Chidiebere was allegedly abducted and tortured after criticising the military.

According to the Army, Chidiebere’s engagement with some soldiers went beyond whistleblowing.

It is alleged that he was interacting with “vulnerable personnel” in a manner capable of causing discontent within the ranks.

The statement said, “While the matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public, preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere, who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system.

“An example was a chat bothering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers. It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications for discipline and national security.

“Hence, Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation.”

Relative Alleges Torture

SaharaReporters had earlier reported a viral video in which a relative of the blogger alleged that he was detained and tortured by military personnel.

The relative claimed that Chidiebere had been denied access to legal representation and the police.

In the video shared on 𝕏 by user @drkenon2 on Saturday, a woman believed to be his relative accused the military of punishing him for speaking for oppressed Nigerians.

She said, “Justice has been under the sun. He was tied to a tree, and he was left outside for 72 hours, and he’s been tortured by the military. What’s his crime? His crime is that he spoke for the oppressed Nigerians.”

She also alleged that Chidiebere was targeted for speaking against the alleged killing of a 24-year-old corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, by soldiers in Abuja, and for raising concerns over the welfare of junior soldiers.

“When are we going to finally fight for our voice? We don’t have a voice anymore. Nothing is working well in the country, and it can be anybody tomorrow,” she added.