Nigerian blogger and activist, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS) on allegations of incitement. Following his arraignment on Monday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered his remand in DSS custody, sparking renewed concerns over his continued detention. The proceedings were marked by a heavy security presence, with journalists reportedly barred from covering the court.

This arraignment is the latest development in a controversial case that began with Chidiebere's transfer from the Nigerian Army to the DSS. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and family members have alleged that the blogger endured severe torture while in military custody, including being chained to a tree under the sun for over 72 hours. Sowore has vehemently described Chidiebere's detention as a "criminal kidnapping" and an act of "unlawful detention and abuse," revealing that his team tracked Chidiebere's vehicle to a military facility where he was "badly maltreated and tortured" before his transfer to the DSS.

According to his family, Justice Crack's ordeal began after he publicly criticized the military over an alleged extrajudicial killing of a civilian and raised concerns about the poor welfare conditions faced by soldiers. A viral video shared by a relative emotionally recounted his detention, stating, “He was tied to a tree and left outside for 72 hours… What’s his crime? He spoke for oppressed Nigerians.”

The Nigerian Army, however, has 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 claimed that a "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," further alleging "far-reaching implications on discipline and national security."

The arraignment and ongoing detention have triggered widespread public anger and protests across Abuja. Activists, including members of the Take It Back Movement, staged demonstrations outside the court and later stormed the Federal Ministry of Justice, demanding Chidiebere's immediate and unconditional release. Protesters chanted solidarity songs, shouting, “Release Justice Crack! He is innocent!”

Omoyele Sowore has been at the forefront of these demands, challenging the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to intervene swiftly. During a phone conversation, Sowore insisted that Fagbemi, even while abroad, held the constitutional responsibility to act immediately in matters of fundamental human rights. Fagbemi, however, dismissed the urgency, stating he needed a full briefing and could not make a decision based on one side of the story. Sowore rejected this delay, giving the minister a "48-hour window to act" and warning of further public mobilization if Chidiebere was not released unconditionally.

Beyond Chidiebere's case, Sowore also used the opportunity to criticize Nigerian security agencies more broadly, lamenting the "useless" state of the police and DSS for arresting bloggers over discussions about public figures' private lives, such as billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu's marriage. He argued that public figures "live their lives on the internet" and must accept such discourse as part of free speech, urging security forces to focus on pressing national security threats instead of intervening in civil matters. Sowore also briefly critiqued former presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling him a "political drifter."