By Efe Onodjae

The Foundation for Digital Justice has called on the Federal Government to immediately discontinue the prosecution of social media influencer, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” over his comments on the welfare conditions of Nigerian soldiers.

In a statement signed by Festus Ogun, Senior Counsel, Foundation for Digital Justice and issued on Wednesday in Lagos, the Foundation described the continued detention and prosecution of the influencer as an abuse of prosecutorial powers and a violation of his fundamental right to freedom of expression.

The group said Justice Crack was being prosecuted for drawing public attention to the poor welfare conditions faced by security personnel across the country, insisting that citizens have a constitutional right to demand accountability and improved working conditions for soldiers.

According to the statement, “At a time when security personnel across the country continue to endure inadequate welfare packages, the digital space must remain an open platform for citizens to express grievances and demand accountability, free from fear of arrest, intimidation, or reprisal.”
The Foundation further argued that advocating improved welfare for soldiers does not amount to a criminal offence and warned against what it described as growing intolerance towards criticism and public accountability.
It stated that the prosecution of the influencer was inconsistent with democratic principles and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The group, therefore, urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to immediately withdraw the charges against Justice Crack and facilitate his unconditional release.
“Our public interest litigation team is working closely with Justice Crack’s defence counsel, civil society partners and legal stakeholders to ensure his swift release from unlawful detention and the protection of his fundamental rights,” the statement added.