Tensions are mounting in Nigeria’s legal and human rights community following the military abduction and subsequent prosecution of civilian whistleblower Mark Chidiebere, widely known as “Justice Crack.”
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) issued a scathing condemnation of the Nigerian military and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday, describing the ordeal as a “dangerous descent into repression.”
The case, which has drawn international attention to the plight of whistleblowers in the country, reached a new milestone today as “Lawyers for Justice” gathered at the court for Chidiebere’s hearing. However, the proceedings were short-lived, as the court adjourned the matter until May 25, leaving the activist in continued legal limbo.
The controversy began when Chidiebere was seized by military personnel after releasing content that exposed the alleged ill-treatment and neglect of Nigerian soldiers battling well-armed terrorist groups on the frontlines.
“Mr. Chidiebere, a civilian, is being persecuted solely for exposing the ill-treatment and neglect of Nigerian soldiers on the frontlines—troops who are courageously confronting better-armed terrorist groups under extremely difficult conditions,” stated Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC. “Instead of addressing these grave concerns, the authorities have chosen to silence the messenger.”
RULAAC alleges that Chidiebere’s initial disappearance was a “blatant violation” of fundamental rights and suggested that the activist might have been “disappeared” permanently if not for the immediate outcry from civil society. In a move described by critics as damage control, the Nigerian Army transferred the civilian to the DSS rather than issuing a release.
“RULAAC is deeply concerned that the DSS—rather than upholding the rule of law—has continued this chain of injustice by proceeding with his prosecution,” Nwanguma said. “This is not law enforcement; it is repression. It sends a chilling message that speaking out in the public interest will be punished.”
The advocacy group is now questioning the legitimacy of the legal action, characterising the charges as “frivolous” and a direct assault on the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. The coordinated effort between the military and the DSS, according to RULAAC, represents a crumbling of democratic norms within the nation.
In an official statement, the centre laid out a list of demands, including the immediate and unconditional release of “Justice Crack,” a full independent investigation into his alleged torture, and total accountability for the officials involved in his abduction.
“Nigeria must not become a country where truth is criminalised and impunity rewarded,” Nwanguma warned, calling on Nigerians and global human rights defenders to mobilise. “The Nigerian Army must end this abuse of power and act in accordance with the law.”
As the May 25 court date approaches, the #JusticeForJustice movement continues to gain momentum, with activists vowing to remain in the streets until the whistleblower is freed.
