ICC acknowledges reports on Lekki shooting, begins investigation

With controversy still trailing the alleged shooting of EndSARS protesters in Lekki, Lagos state, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said it has commenced an investigation into the tragic incident.

This disclosure was made on Tuesday, November 3, by the senior prosecutor of ICC who acknowledged that information on the alleged crimes has been received.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian youths protesting against police brutality of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit took to the streets in a show of displeasure

Although the federal government, in a prompt response, entertained their demands, the youths were adamant on pressing their request further.

On the night of October 20, at about 6:50 p.m, members of the Nigerian armed forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate with a score of casualties recorded.

Army has, however, denied shooting and killing the protesters, with a face-off that followed responsible for the setting up of a judicial panel to look into the tragic development.

ICC, which seats in Hague, Netherlands, said it would examine the incident and “assess whether the legal criteria for opening an investigation under the Rome statute are met.”

The international court also announced that it will make its findings on the tragic incident public.

Meanwhile, the management of Lekki Concession Company (LCC) has explained why none of its staff witnessed the Tuesday, October 20, controversial shootings of EndSARS protesters by some security operatives.

Giving his testimony on Tuesday, November 3, before the judicial panel of inquiry set up by the Lagos state government, the managing director of LLC, Abayomi Omomuwa, noted that staff members of the company in charge of Lekki Tollgate were not on duty at the time of the shooting.