IGBOZURUOKE MEDIA

The Nigerian Army has not yet transferred social media influencer and blogger Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of State Services (DSS), contrary to earlier claims.

The Army had previously confirmed his 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 Chidiebere was picked up alongside some soldiers following preliminary investigations into viral social media posts concerning troop welfare and feeding.

The statement further claimed he had been handed over to “relevant civil authorities” for further investigation and possible prosecution, although it did not specify the agency involved or confirm his current custody status.

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

However, military sources told Sahara Reporters that the agency in question is the DSS. The sources further disclosed on Sunday that Chidiebere, who is reportedly in poor condition, has not yet been taken into DSS custody, as the secret police have allegedly been reluctant to accept him in his current state.

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

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

The Army’s clarification on Saturday followed widespread public outrage triggered by reports and video footage alleging that Chidiebere was abducted and tortured, including claims that he was chained to a tree under intense heat for over 72 hours

According to the military, Chidiebere’s interactions with personnel went beyond whistleblowing. It alleged that the activist was engaging “vulnerable personnel” in an attempt to foster discontent within the ranks.

“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 wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the army claimed in its statement.

“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 on discipline and national security.”

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

Sahara  Reporters had earlier reported a viral video in which a relative of the activist described his ordeal, alleging that he was left tied to a tree for three days without access to legal representation or the police.

The relative further claimed that Chidiebere was chained to a tree under intense sunlight for more than 72 hours by army personnel.

His “crime,” according to family sources and viral reports, was speaking out against the gruesome extrajudicial killing of a 24-year-old corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, by soldiers in his home, as well as highlighting the poor welfare of rank-and-file soldiers. 

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @drkenon2 on Saturday and seen by Sahara Reporters, a woman believed to be a relative of the victim was seen in tears as she lamented the harsh conditions Chidiebere is allegedly being subjected to.

The visibly distressed woman questioned what she described as the country’s descent into a “police state,” where citizens are reportedly punished for demanding accountability.

“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 cried out.

She further alleged that Chidiebere was targeted after he exposed the alleged “brutal murder” of a civilian by soldiers and advocated for underpaid and neglected troops, whom she described as “impoverished” and abandoned by the military high command.

“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. (Sahara Reporters)