As Activist Hails Agency for Professionalism
- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian social media influencer and activist, Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, has recounted his ordeal while in the Department of State Service (DSS) custody.
This coming days after been granted N5 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
NPO Reported that Justic Crack was arraigned over his interview with a group of soldiers who decried alleged poor welfare condition in the military.
He was initially arrested by the Nigerian Army before being handed over to the DSS who held him in custody until his arraignment.
The activist’s detention had sparked protest at the court’s premises from fellow activists.
This lasted until his eventual release from DSS custody after fulfilling his bail condition.
Following his release, Justice Crack took to his X handle on Monday to recount his ordeal during his detention period.
The activist recalled arriving at the DSS office after being blindfolded for days.
“On the night of April 30th, after days of being blindfolded and held by some unidentified men who initially claimed to be from the DSS — but whom I later discovered were not DSS officials.
“I was eventually taken to a DSS facility. At the time, I was still blindfolded and handcuffed. After arriving at the facility, I heard someone instruct that my blindfold should not be removed until we were inside.
“Shortly after, the blindfold was removed, and for the first time in days, I was able to see properly again. My vision was initially unclear but gradually improved.’ He said.
In contrast to claims of being harassed by the security agency, Justice Crack recalled being well treated by the DSS officials during his stay in custody.
“The officer who received me spoke calmly and assured me that I was safe. He asked if I knew where I was, and I replied yes because I could see the DSS logo on the wall.
“He noticed I was shaking and visibly traumatized, and he tried to calm me down. At that point, I was extremely scared and confused because I still did not fully understand my situation or why I had been taken in the first place.
‘That same night, I was given tea and bread — the first proper meal I had eaten in days. I was also taken to the medical unit where my blood pressure and general health condition were checked to ensure I was medically stable.
“Afterwards, I was taken to a room with other detainees and provided with a bed and duvet. For the first time in days, I was able to sleep comfortably.
“The following morning, the investigation team began questioning me. Because the matter is still before the court, I will not go into details about the investigation itself.” He said.
The activist maintained that he handled professionally and respectfully by the DSS, stressing that he was never assaulted all through his stay.
‘However, based on my personal experience, the DSS officials I interacted with treated me professionally and respectfully throughout my stay.
“Nobody shouted at me, physically assaulted me, or used force against me during the period I spent there.
“They also ensured that I had food and basic care, and I was even asked if there were specific meals I preferred during the process.
“I also observed that officials handling my case remained active on the matter, including during weekends and public holidays.
“From my own experience, I can say that the DSS demonstrated professionalism in the way they handled me.” The activist said.
However, Justice Crack called for improvement in the speed of investigations by the agency.
“At the same time, no institution is perfect, and like every agency, there are areas where improvements can still be made — particularly regarding the speed of investigations and certain administrative processes.
“Again, this is strictly my personal experience and should be understood as such.” He added.