By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has provided clarification on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” over allegations linked to incitement and breaches of military regulations.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the development followed complaints raised by some soldiers regarding issues of feeding and welfare, which were subsequently circulated on social media by the blogger.
The statement explained that preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into a possible breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy indicated that the soldiers had engaged in extensive discussions with Chidiebere. It alleged that some of these interactions pointed to attempts to incite discontent within the ranks, including conversations described as bordering on subversive conduct.
Colonel Anele noted that the cultivation of serving personnel by civilians in ways that could encourage dissent or undermine discipline poses significant risks to military cohesion and national security.
She stated that, based on these concerns, the Nigerian Army took Chidiebere into custody alongside the affected soldiers for investigation. While the soldiers are being held within military custody, the blogger has since been handed over to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing that all actions taken are within legal frameworks and in collaboration with relevant agencies. It added that safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining discipline within the ranks remain paramount priorities.
