The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Justice Mark Chidiebere, a social media influencer, over an alleged attempt to incite soldiers and breach of military social media policy.
Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack”, was
arraigned before Joyce Abdulmalik, judge of a federal high court in Abuja on
Monday.
He pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on
cybercrime.
In the first count, the DSS alleged that Chidiebere
circulated false information to the public through his X handle, @JusticeCrack,
regarding inadequate feeding of soldiers, with intent to cause annoyance,
ill-will and hatred among citizens.
The offence is said to be contrary to section 24(1)(b) of
the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the
defendant published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army which
generated widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and
breach of peace, contrary to section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
The third count accused Chidiebere of attempting to commit a
felony by publishing what the prosecution described as a derogatory video and
statements about the Nigerian Army, an offence punishable under section 509 of
the Criminal Code Act.
After the defendant’s plea, E. Orubo, prosecution counsel,
prayed the court to order the defendant’s remand in DSS custody. He also asked
for a fixed date for trial to commence.
Marshall Abubakar, counsel for the defendant, made an oral
bail application, but the trial judge ordered him to file a formal bail
application.
In her ruling, Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant be
remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned until May 25 for the
commencement of trial and hearing of bail application.
Chidiebere was arrested by the Nigerian army last week after he shared complaints by some soldiers about their feeding and welfare on social media.
In a statement on Saturday, Appolonia Anele, acting director
of the army’s public relations, said: “…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”.
“An example was a chat bothering on subversion which
Chidiebere had with the soldiers,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Anele said Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers
for investigation.
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