A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a blogger and social media personality, Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as 'Justice Crack', in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime offences. The ruling was delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday.
Arraignment and Charges
The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge related to false publication, breach of public peace, and other offences. The DSS accused Mark of posting a viral video on his X handle, @JusticeCrack, which claimed that soldiers of the Nigerian Army were poorly fed. The agency argued that the allegations were false and had the potential to damage the image and reputation of the military.
Plea and Bail Application
Mark pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court. Following his plea, DSS counsel E. Orubo requested the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the case's determination. Defence counsel Marshall Abubakar made an oral application for bail, but the court declined, directing that a formal bail application be filed instead.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant remain in DSS custody until the commencement of trial, which is scheduled for May 25. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over freedom of expression and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.
