The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned blogger and activist Justice Mark Chidiebere, known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged incitement against the Nigerian Army. The arraignment took place on Monday, after which he was returned to DSS custody, according to sources. The courtroom was heavily secured, with security operatives present and journalists denied access to the proceedings. Activists from the Take It Back Movement protested outside the court, chanting slogans and demanding his immediate release. "Release Justice Crack! He is innocent!" the protesters shouted.
Justice Crack was previously in the custody of the Nigerian Army, which handed him over to the DSS amid allegations that he was chained to a tree under the sun for over 72 hours. His family said his detention followed criticism he made of the military regarding the alleged extrajudicial killing of a civilian and poor welfare conditions for soldiers. A viral video featured a relative stating, "He was tied to a tree and left outside for 72 hours… What's his crime? He spoke for oppressed Nigerians." The Nigerian Army defended its actions, with spokesperson Colonel Appolonia Anele stating that preliminary reports showed Justice Chidiebere had engaged soldiers in discussions that could cause discontent. The Army claimed his actions carried "far-reaching implications on discipline and national security."
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the arraignment, saying authorities were attempting to legitimise unlawful detention. He stated, "They want to take him to court instead of releasing him unconditionally," and called for activists to gather at the DSS office to demand Justice Crack's release.
The military detains a critic for speaking out, then transfers him to the DSS for prosecution—turning national security into a shield for silencing dissent. Justice Crack's arrest follows his comments on soldier welfare and a civilian's death, both matters of public concern. If questioning authority is incitement, then accountability has no place in this system. The same institutions meant to protect Nigerians are now criminalising the act of speaking for them.
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