Some protesters on Monday gathered at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja to demand the release of social media influencer and blogger, Mark Chidiebere, known as Justice Crack.

The Peoples Gazette gathered that the demonstration followed the State Security Service’s (SSS) arraignment of Mr Justice at the Federal High Court in Abuja, earlier on Monday.

Mr Justice was reportedly arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on multiple count charges, including alleged circulation of false information and publication of materials liable to cause public unrest.

The judge, however, adjourned the matter for trial and bail application hearing to May 25, while also directing that the defendant be remanded until the case is determined.

Against the backdrop of the judge’s order, protesters moved to the Federal Ministry of Justice to denounce the blogger’s continued incarceration in the SSS custody.

Addressing journalists, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, said the aggrieved protesters gathered at the ministry to amplify public concern and demand the release of the arrested blogger.

“We occupied the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation for hours, asking him to come and discontinue the case against Justice Crack,” Mr Sowore said.

“Eventually, we got his number and called him directly. He said he was not in Abuja and that he would take a delegation of two people from our side, and ask the other side how to discontinue the case,” he said.

Mr Sowore warned that the protesters would resume demonstration on Wednesday if Mr Justice is not released.

“We also suggested to him that by Wednesday if everything is not properly done, we will shut down Abuja,” he said.

Earlier, on Sunday, the Nigerian Army disclosed that it arrested Justice Crack and several soldiers over alleged incitement and misinformation.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, stated that the arrests followed complaints denouncing the welfare and feeding quality of soldiers shared by the blogger on social media.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army was drawn to the complaint made by some soldiers regarding their feeding and other matters relating to their welfare as posted on social media by a blogger/social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (Justice Crack),” Ms Anele stated.

“While the matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ social media policy and an attempt to misinform the public, 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.

“Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation. While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the spokesperson stated.