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FG Pushes Back Against ICC Probe Of Nigerian Army

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The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asked the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor in The Hague to bring an immediate end to its prolonged investigation of the Nigerian military, citing the need for closure in the matter.

On Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) articulated the country’s position in a statement issued to the media in Abuja. The announcement was made available by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.

The AGF, in a statement, highlighted his remarks at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. He emphasized that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment on the global stage to champion justice, while actively working to combat terrorism and other serious international crimes.

While underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to confront impunity, hold perpetrators of grave crimes accountable, and deliver justice to victims, the AGF expressed concern over the 14-year-long preliminary examination into alleged crimes in the country. He described it as demoralizing for the brave servicemen, who have endured this drawn-out process while continuing to risk their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has called on the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to terminate the long-running investigation into the Nigerian military, expressing concern over its negative impact on the country’s armed forces.

The AGF stated the country’s position on Monday in a statement made available to the media in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele.

According to the statement, the AGF, in his remarks at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC in Hague, stated that Nigeria at the global stage had demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.

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The AGF, while expressing the country’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims, noted further that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralising to the service men laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.

The minister emphasised that Nigeria, as a responsible state party to the Rome Statute, had consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.

He said, “While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasise that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity. The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes. I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. 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 has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles.

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