Why The Army Has Not Transferred The Detained Blogger To The DSS

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially transfer social media influencer and blogger, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of State Services (DSS), despite earlier indications that he had been handed over for further investigation.

The Army had confirmed his arrest, alleging that he attempted to incite soldiers and engage in actions described as “subversion” against the military high command. In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the military said Chidiebere was arrested alongside some soldiers following preliminary investigations into viral social media posts concerning troop welfare and feeding.

The statement claimed that the blogger had been transferred to “relevant civil authorities” for further investigation and possible prosecution, though the specific agency was not named. It read in part that while the soldiers remain in military custody, Chidiebere had been handed over for appropriate handling by civil authorities.

However, military sources have since indicated that the unnamed agency was the DSS, adding that the transfer has not been completed. According to the sources, the DSS has been hesitant to take custody of the blogger due to concerns over his physical condition at the time of the proposed handover.

One of the sources stated that consultations were made with the DSS on Saturday, but the agency allegedly expressed reservations, noting that he appeared to be in poor condition. The sources further suggested that plans were underway to arraign him in court on allegations bordering on incitement of mutiny.

The development has continued to generate public concern, especially following earlier reports alleging that Chidiebere was abducted and tortured after criticising the military. His relative, in a viral video, accused the military of detaining and subjecting him to inhumane treatment, including being tied and left exposed for an extended period, while also denying him access to legal representation.

She further alleged that his ordeal stemmed from his criticism of the alleged killing of a 24-year-old corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, and his comments on the welfare of junior soldiers, insisting that his actions were aimed at speaking up for oppressed Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Army has maintained that the blogger’s interactions with certain soldiers went beyond whistleblowing, alleging that he engaged in conversations capable of inciting disaffection within the ranks. It insisted that the investigation is ongoing to determine possible breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and threats to military discipline and national security.