THE Nigerian Army has explained that it arrested popular blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, for further investigation because its preliminary findings revealled that he had engaged some soldiers in discussions that allegedly sought to incite discontent and subversion within the ranks.
The Army, in an official statement signed by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Friday, May 1, said its attention was drawn to a social media post by Chidiebere, where he highlighted complaints made by some soldiers regarding their feeding and general welfare.
It stated: “The attention of the Nigerian Army was drawn to the complaint made by some soldiers regarding their feeding and other matters relating to their welfare as posted on social media by a blogger/social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (Justice Crack).
“While the matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public, preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system.
“An example was a chat bothering on subversion, which Chidiebere had with the soldiers. It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security.
“Hence, Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation.
WWhile the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served. We will continue to act within the ambits of the law in safeguarding our sovereignty.”
Chidiebere’s wife, Theresa, had gone public, recounting days of silence and confusion since his disappearance, saying she first noticed something was wrong when her calls went unanswered.
She disclosed that a friend later informed her that the activist had asked him to pick up their children from school, citing a prolonged engagement, adding: “I tried calling him several times, but his line was unreachable.
“The last time his phone was active was around 8:35 p.m., and since then, it has been off. I have been living in fear and confusion.”
Theresa alleged that information available to her indicated that her husband was last seen at a military facility in Asokoro, Abuja, where he was reportedly subjected to harsh conditions, adding: “If this is true, then something is terribly wrong. My husband is not a criminal.
“All I want is for my husband to come back home safely. If he has done anything wrong, let the authorities come out openly and follow due process. Keeping him incommunicado is unacceptable.
“I tried everything, up till now. I called his line from that Tuesday and he rang once, but nobody picked ever since then.
“The messages all delivered at the same time. And I was just confused. I did not even know what happened.”
She described her husband’s sudden absence as completely out of character, noting: “Like I said, it’s unlike him. If he’s late, people will call me. He has never even slept out of the house. So, I don’t know.”
While appealing directly to government, she said her children could not be left without their father: “Please, Nigerian government, please bring my husband back to me; back to my children. They need their father.
“My daughter is just six years old. They do not deserve this; they deserve a father.”
Activist-turned politican, Omoyele Sowore, had demanded Chidiebere’s immediate release, alleging his vehicle had been spotted at the offices of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) after he was allegedly picked up by Brig-Gen. W. A. Adegoke.
Sowore said in a post on X: “His only ‘offence’ appears to be speaking out and raising alarm over the extrajudicial killing of a youth corps member and drawing attention to the conditions faced by soldiers on the frontlines.”
Chidiebere was last seen on Tuesday, April 28, after leaving home for what he told his wife was a meeting, shortly after receiving a phone call.
Published:
Related articles
Recent articles
