Court Orders Remand Of ‘Justice Crack’ In DSS Custody Following Arrest By The Army

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday ordered that popular blogger and social media personality, Chidiebere Mark, widely known as “Justice Crack,” be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arraignment on cybercrime-related charges.

The defendant was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, including claims that he made and circulated false statements about the Nigerian Army. Prosecutors alleged that in a viral video posted on his handle (@JusticeCrack), he accused soldiers of being poorly fed, a publication said to be capable of undermining the reputation of the military and disturbing public peace.

The DSS further told the court that the post constituted false information and a felony offence.

Mark, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges read against him.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Mr. E. Orubo, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in DSS custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, made an oral application seeking bail for his client. The request was opposed by the prosecution and subsequently declined by the court, which directed that a formal bail application be filed.

Justice Abdulmalik thereafter ordered that the defendant remain in DSS custody until May 25, when the matter is scheduled to commence for trial.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army had earlier confirmed the arrest of Justice Crack following complaints reportedly raised by soldiers on social media over issues relating to their welfare and feeding. The Army stated that preliminary findings suggested the influencer engaged with military personnel on sensitive issues in a manner capable of inciting disaffection and spreading misinformation within the ranks.