The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, has warned that her office is keeping a close eye on the developments in Nigeria in case the violence escalates and any indication arises that crimes have been committed under the Rome Statute of the ICC.
In a statement at the ICC headquarters in The Hague in The Netherlands, Ms Bensouda said: “My Office has been closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies” adding that “we have received information alleging crimes.”
The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC)
The Rome Statute established four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Crimes against humanity are certain acts that are purposely committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack, directed against any civilians, in time of war or peace.
Bensouda said, “any loss of life and injury is concerning.
“We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments, in case violence escalates and any indications arise that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed.
The ICC thereafter called for calm and peace across the country.