TheCable

Fatou Bensouda, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), told Acting President Yemi Osinbajo that the law must not be silent in Nigeria in times of war and conflict.

Bensouda said this on Friday, at the end of a two-day visit to Nigeria’s capital.

Bensouda, who met with Osinbajo, Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, Mansur Dan Ali, the minister of defence, Taiwo Abidogun, the solicitor general, discussed state cooperation and the status of the ongoing preliminary examination of the situation in Nigeria by the office of the prosecutor of the ICC.

Osinbajo and Onyeama reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to the ICC and the fight against impunity for Rome Statute crimes.

The acting president welcomed the prosecutor’s visit and underscored the need to increase awareness in Nigeria about the mandate and activities of the court.

Bensouda in Nigeria

Bensouda thanked the acting president for Nigeria’s strong diplomatic support as well as cooperation with respect to the ongoing preliminary examination conducted by the Office.

The prosecutor emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability for Rome Statute crimes, adding: “during war and conflict, the law must not remain silent. Justice must be done and seen to be done to ensure accountability and to prevent future crimes.”

During her visit, Bensouda also held productive meetings with civil society organisations and engaged with victims of alleged Rome Statute crimes committed in Nigeria.