The Nigerian Army has transferred social media blogger Justice Mark Chidiebere, known as Justice Crack, to the Department of State Services (DSS) for prosecution, Omoyele Sowore claimed on Sunday. Sowore accused the military and DSS of attempting to cover up allegations of torture during Chidiebere's custody, stating the DSS confirmed the army dropped him off and plans to prosecute him. A viral video by a relative alleged Chidiebere was chained to a tree under the sun for over 72 hours after criticising the military over a civilian's alleged extrajudicial killing and poor soldier welfare. The Nigerian Army confirmed Chidiebere's arrest, saying he was taken into custody with several soldiers following viral posts on troop conditions. In a statement signed by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the army said he was handed over to "relevant civil authorities" for investigation and possible prosecution, without naming the agency. Military sources told SaharaReporters the agency was the DSS, though as of 11 a.m. on Sunday, the transfer had not occurred because the DSS was hesitant to accept him in poor health. The sources said the army plans to charge him with encouraging mutiny. Colonel Anele said Chidiebere was cultivating vulnerable soldiers, creating risks to discipline and national security. Family members say he was targeted for exposing a soldier's alleged brutal murder and speaking for impoverished troops. The case has drawn national attention amid growing concern over treatment of whistleblowers and civilian detainees by security agencies.
The army claims Justice Crack was detained for threatening military discipline, yet refuses to clarify when or to whom it transferred him, even as DSS sources deny receipt. Sowore's claim of a handover clashes with SaharaReporters' finding that the DSS had not taken custody by Sunday morning. If the army transferred him while he was in critical condition, it risks offloading liability for potential abuse. The delay and conflicting accounts deepen suspicion that institutions are coordinating to obscure accountability rather than address torture allegations.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
