Officers’ welfare: Army says ‘missing’ social media activist detained for inciting soldiers
COAS LT GEN SHAIBU
BY ADAMS TOSIN
Nigerian Army has admitted arresting social media critic, Justice Chidiebere, otherwise known as Justice Crack, who had been declared missing by his colleagues since Tuesday. Justice Crack was held by the military authorities, following an expose that borders on welfare of military officers on the frontline.
Since then, there has been several campaigns online, including an impending protest scheduled for Monday May 4 to foreign missions in Abuja to demand his release.
But a press release by the Army on Saturday signed by Col. Appolonia Anele, confirmed he was arrested by the Army and may have been moved to either the Police or DSS for prosecution.
The release reads: “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 bordering 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. While 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.”
