Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, on Thursday confirmed receipt of alleged crimes committed by security forces during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
Ms Bensouda said in a statement via the ICC Twitter handle that the court is already monitoring developments from the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
According to Bensouda, “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.
“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.
“I call for calm and restraint.”
On Wednesday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project said it had sent a petition to Bensouda, urging her to “promptly investigate reports that Nigerian authorities, military, and some politicians have used/ and are using thugs, soldiers and security agents to intimidate, harass, attack and kill #EndSARS peaceful protesters in several parts of Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Edo, Osun, Plateau, and Kano states.”
