By Halima Abubakar
ABUJA — The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a blogger, Justice Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, alongside some soldiers, stating that the action followed an alleged breach of military social media regulations and attempts to incite disaffection within the ranks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the arrests were linked to online posts concerning soldiers’ feeding and welfare, which the Army described as misleading and capable of undermining discipline.
According to the statement titled “Clarification on the Arrest of Justice Mark Chidiebere (Justice Crack)”, the Army began probing the matter after receiving complaints from personnel about issues raised on social media by the blogger.
The Army noted that preliminary findings indicated that the blogger engaged soldiers in conversations on a range of welfare-related concerns, with some exchanges allegedly bordering on incitement.
“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 said.
It further alleged that one of the communications between the blogger and the soldiers touched on subversive matters, warning that such interactions between civilians and military personnel could have serious implications for discipline and national security.
“A situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the Army stated.
Colonel Anele disclosed that while the soldiers involved are being held in military custody, the blogger has been handed over to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the Army stressed that it would continue to operate within the confines of the law while safeguarding national security.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” the statement added.
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