PROSECUTING INTERNATIONAL CRIMES IN NIGERIA: SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE ICC AND NIGERIAN COURTS

Abstract

The paper appraised the international crimes and their prosecution in Nigeria and assessed jurisdictional issues of Nigerian courts and state responsibilities. Prosecution of international crimes is a matter of international public policy. International Criminal Court (ICC) was established by Rome Statute to ensure effective prosecution of international crimes. While the complementary jurisdiction was conferred on International Criminal Court (ICC), the national or domestic courts are vested with jurisdiction as the court of first resort. There are hues and cries for the prosecution of the perpetrators of international crimes in Nigeria at various instances.  The sources of the paper are both primary and secondary. The article will find that despite the fact that Nigeria has ratified the Rome Statute since 27^th September, 2001, it is yet to domesticate same. It will also examine how Nigerian court exercise jurisdiction on acts constituting international crimes. The article will conclude that Nigerian courts are well seized with jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes. The article will further call on the Nigerian government through its legislative arm to domesticate the Rome Statute.