The Nigerian Army has clarified that social media influencer and blogger Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has not yet been transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS), despite earlier statements suggesting he had been handed over to “relevant civil authorities”.
The Army had previously confirmed his arrest alongside some soldiers, stating that the move followed preliminary investigations into viral social media posts relating to troop welfare and feeding conditions within the military.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said Chidiebere was arrested over alleged attempts to incite soldiers and what it described as efforts to destabilise the military hierarchy.
The statement further indicated that he had been handed over to unspecified civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution, but did not clearly identify the agency or confirm his custody status at the time.
“While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the Army statement said.
However, military sources told SaharaReporters that the intended agency was the DSS, while also alleging that the transfer had not been completed as of Sunday. According to the sources, the DSS had reportedly been reluctant to take custody of him due to concerns about his condition at the time of transfer.
One of the sources said the DSS had been contacted, but noted that the activist was said to be in a “bad shape”, adding that the agency was cautious about receiving him in that state. The sources also claimed that the Army was preparing to charge him to court over alleged incitement of mutiny.
The Army’s clarification came amid public reactions to earlier reports and video footage circulating online, which alleged that Chidiebere had been detained under harsh conditions, including claims that he was chained and left exposed for an extended period during military custody.
In its earlier statement, the Army alleged that Chidiebere’s interactions with personnel went beyond whistleblowing, claiming he engaged soldiers in conversations that were capable of fostering discontent within the ranks.
It also stated that preliminary findings suggested discussions between him and some soldiers included issues the Army interpreted as subversive in nature, describing the development as a matter with implications for discipline and national security.
The Army said he was arrested alongside the soldiers for investigation into alleged breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and attempts to misinform the public.
Meanwhile, a viral video shared online showed a relative of Chidiebere alleging that he had been subjected to harsh treatment, including being tied outdoors for an extended period, while calling for accountability and raising concerns about his wellbeing.
The relative further claimed that the activist was targeted following his commentary on alleged misconduct involving soldiers and his advocacy regarding welfare issues affecting military personnel.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact location and custody status of Justice Crack remained unclear, with conflicting accounts from military sources and official statements yet to be reconciled.
