A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a blogger, Chidiebere Mark, be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arraignment over an alleged false claim that Nigerian military personnel are poorly fed.
Mark was charged by the DSS over a viral video posted on his X handle, “Justice Crack,” in which he made the allegation against the Nigerian military.
The DSS told the court that the publication was false and capable of damaging the reputation of the armed forces, adding that the post could also incite public disorder and constituted an offence under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
He pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge when it was read to him.
Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, Emmanuel Orubo, urged the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody to allow the prosecution to open its case.
Defence counsel, Marshall Abubakar, made an oral application for bail, but the court declined to entertain it, directing him instead to file a formal bail application.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody and adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial and hearing of any bail application.