Nigeria reaffirms commitment to justice, opposes prolonged ICC investigations

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to promoting justice and ending terrorism during the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The session is taking place from December 2 to 7 in The Hague, Netherlands.

In his statement, Prince Fagbemi expressed concern over the prolonged preliminary examination of alleged crimes involving the Nigerian military by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, which has spanned 14 years. He described the delay as disheartening for servicemen defending the nation against terrorism.

Fagbemi emphasized Nigeria’s adherence to international humanitarian law, underscoring the military’s accountability mechanisms.

He argued that the principle of complementarity, which positions the ICC as a court of last resort, must be respected, asserting that Nigeria is fully capable of addressing grave crimes within its jurisdiction.

“Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. We are proud of the Nigerian Military, which ensures its operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles,” he said.

The minister referenced a Special Investigative Panel established by the National Human Rights Commission to probe allegations of misconduct against the military, following claims made by Reuters. He reported that after eight months of investigation, no evidence was found to substantiate the allegations.

In addition, Fagbemi highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in the rehabilitation of former combatants through its six-month Demobilization, Deradicalization, and Reintegration (DDR) program, which has reintegrated over 4,000 former Boko Haram members into society.

He also criticized “apologists of terrorist groups” masquerading as civil society organizations for making unsubstantiated claims that undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Expressing concern over the ICC Prosecutor’s perceived bias towards Nigeria’s armed forces, Fagbemi called for an impartial approach to investigations. He also urged all states to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions to address the humanitarian consequences of their use.

The Attorney General concluded by congratulating the newly elected Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending impunity for grave crimes, calling on non-member states to accede to the Rome Statute.

“Nigeria stands firm with fellow State Parties in the shared commitment to ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes. We fully support the work of the ICC,” he declared.