The International Criminal Court, ICC, has dismissed an anonymous petition against Nigeria over alleged crimes against humanity.
The petition, titled “Formal Communication Requesting Investigation into Systemic Kidnappings in Nigeria as Crimes Against Humanity,” was dismissed on September 1 for procedural reasons.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, welcomed the decision but criticised the process through which the petition was handled.
Fagbemi said the unverified filing was submitted anonymously and improperly assigned to the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II on August 26 under Regulation 46(3) of the court’s regulations.
He questioned the authority of the Pre-Trial Division to entertain anonymous petitions, arguing that the ICC Prosecutor has the responsibility to assess information and determine whether an investigation should be pursued.
The minister stressed that the development does not amount to an investigation against Nigeria, saying no ICC investigation has been opened and no adverse finding has been made against the Nigerian government or its institutions.
The petition came amid Nigeria’s ongoing kidnapping crisis, particularly across parts of the North-West and North-Central.
Fagbemi said Nigeria remains committed to the Rome Statute and international accountability, but maintained that Nigerian authorities have primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed within the country.
He urged the ICC to adhere strictly to its established procedures, warning that procedural breaches could undermine confidence in the court and its relationship with member states.
