The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a Nigerian blogger and activist, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged incitement.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the arraignment took place on Monday, after which the DSS took him back into detention, sparking fresh concerns over his continued incarceration.
The courtroom was heavily guarded, with a strong presence of security operatives and observers.
Journalists were reportedly denied access to cover the hearing.
Outside the court premises, activists, including members of the Take It Back Movement, staged a protest demanding his immediate release.
The protesters sang solidarity songs and called on authorities to free the activist.
“Release Justice Crack! He is innocent!” they chanted.
The arraignment marks a new twist in the controversial case involving the blogger, who was earlier handed over to the DSS by the Nigerian Army amid allegations of torture.
The Army had earlier transferred him to the secret police following widespread outrage over claims that he was chained to a tree under the sun for over 72 hours while in military custody.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, had criticised the move, accusing security agencies of attempting to legitimise what he described as unlawful detention and abuse.
“They want to take him to court instead of releasing him unconditionally,” Sowore said.
“We reject this and tomorrow all activists must resume at the DSS office to demand @Justice_Crack is released unconditionally!”
Family members said the activist’s ordeal began after he criticised the military over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a civilian and raised concerns about poor welfare conditions of soldiers.
In a viral video, a relative described his detention in emotional terms.
“He was tied to a tree and left outside for 72 hours… What’s his crime? He spoke for oppressed Nigerians,” the relative said.
However, the Nigerian Army defended its actions, accusing the blogger of attempting to incite soldiers and undermine military authority.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said preliminary findings suggested that the activist engaged soldiers in discussions that could create discontent within the ranks.
“Preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the statement read.
The Army added that his actions had “far-reaching implications on discipline and national security.”
