New York- The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Fatou Bensouda, on Monday, threatened to prosecute any individual or group of persons who engaged in violence before and during the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.
The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the warning is contained in a statement issued by the ICC in New York.
The statement quoted Bensouda as saying “any person who incites or engages in acts of violence, including ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes within ICC’s jurisdiction is liable to prosecution either by Nigerian courts or ICC.
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“No one should doubt my resolve whenever necessary to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes.
“On Feb. 14 and Feb. 28, Nigerians are set to participate in general and state elections in the country.’’
The ICC prosecutor said Nigerian presidential candidates and political leaders recently signed a pact committing themselves, their parties and their followers to refrain from violence before, during and after the elections.
She, therefore, urged all to consolidate this commitment.
Bensouda said a team from her office would be present in Nigeria prior to the elections to further engage with authorities and encourage the prevention of crimes. (NAN)
