- The Federal Government of Nigeria has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to stop its investigation into the Nigerian military over alleged human rights violations.
- The government claims that the probe is demoralizing to the military and that Nigeria has demonstrated its willingness to promote justice and end terrorism.
- The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes in Nigeria for over 14 years.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to halt its investigation into the Nigerian military over alleged human rights violations. According to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the probe is demoralizing to the military and undermines Nigeria’s efforts to promote justice and end terrorism.
Fagbemi emphasized that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups ¹. He also noted that the Nigerian military has systems and structures in place to ensure that its operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes in Nigeria for over 14 years. However, Fagbemi argued that the probe is unnecessary, as Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable.
In addition to calling for an end to the ICC probe, Fagbemi also expressed concern about the activities of apologists for terrorist groups, who are making unsubstantiated allegations against the Nigerian military. He emphasized that Nigeria stands firm in its commitment to ending impunity for serious crimes and fully supports the work of the ICC.
