ICC to begin investigation of Lekki shootings, EndSARS protests
Weeks following the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki tollgate, the International Criminal Court (ICC) begins its investigations into the events that happened the night of October 20.
The office of the ICC prosecutor said it had received information on alleged crimes and the BBC has reported that the court confirmed that it is conducting a preliminary examination.
This inquiry into the End SARS protests that enveloped the country for some weeks will assess whether the legal criteria for opening an investigation under the Rome Statute are met.
During the protests, recall that peaceful protesters were attacked simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja with thugs carrying knives, machetes and clubs.
Security operatives also tried to disperse the crowd with water cannons, tear gas and even live bullets.
Many casualties were recorded as lives and properties were damaged.
Shortly thereafter, social media went agog with the photos and videos of thugs getting out of expensive vehicles and receiving coordination from those in the expensive SUVs.
Meanwhile, youths had stood their ground at the Lekki tollgate with nothing but the Nigerian flag and their voices as they sang the national anthem when the members of the Nigerian Army allegedly opened fire on defenceless youths. This led several international organisations to ask that erring officers and people complicit in the crimes of October 20 be sanctioned.
The following day, hoodlums went on the rampage in Lagos and several other states of the federation despite the 24-hour curfew causing an extension in the state-wide curfew. Several public and private properties were looted and destroyed.
Several security officers were killed as hoodlums burnt over 200 stations, according to the IG of police.
Several states set up a judicial panel of inquiry as more people spoke up about the violence they have experienced at the hands of the disbanded SARS unit.
Therefore, the ICC has assured that it will make public findings of the preliminary examination on crimes perpetrated during the End SARS protests.
