- A Federal High Court had remanded blogger Chidiebere Mark in DSS custody
- He had pleaded not guilty to charges over alleged false claims about the military
- The court had adjourned the case to May 25 for trial and bail hearing
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a blogger, Chidiebere Justice Mark, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arraignment on allegations of spreading false information about the Nigerian military.
Mark, identified as a resident of Plot 88 Sabo Lugbe, Abuja, was brought before the court on a three-count charge filed by the DSS. The charges stem from a viral video he reportedly shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, “Justice Crack,” in which he claimed that Nigerian military personnel are poorly fed.
During proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in open court.
Following the plea, prosecuting counsel Emmanuel Orubo requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution prepare and open its case. He also urged the court to remand the defendant in DSS custody pending trial.
In response, defence counsel Marshall Abubakar made an oral application for bail. However, the court declined to entertain the request at that stage, directing the defence to file a formal bail application instead.
Delivering her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that Mark be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until 25 May 2026 for the commencement of trial and for the hearing of any properly filed bail application.
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about the limits of free expression, particularly in relation to commentary on national security institutions. Legal observers note that the outcome of the trial could have broader implications for how online speech and criticism involving the military are treated under Nigerian law.