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The International Criminal Court, ICC has stated that it will “analyse materials” it has received about the violence which hit Nigeria last month following peaceful protests against police brutality.
The ICC chief prosecutor’s office, while speaking to the BBC, dismissed the earlier reports that it had begun a “formal preliminary examination” into the unrest.
Recall that thousands of Nigerians had trooped out to protest against a notorious police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for cases for brutality, extortion and extra judicial killings. The Inspector General of Police subsequently announced the disbandment of the rogue unit and replacement by Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT).
However, this decision was not enough to take the protesters off the streets as they insisted that other actions must be taken beyond the disbandment of the unit. On October 20, armed uniform reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, killing at least 10 people according to Amnesty International.
Though, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has denied involvement in the killings, stating that soldiers were deployed to the scene, following a request by the Lagos State Government.
Ganiu Oloruntade
