Nigerian Army NOT Guilty of War Crimes 

By Ajogwu Jerry 

Another cheap fabrication authored by one Austin Oboh, published by Daily Independent newspaper, Tuesday 11th December 2018, with the headline “NIGERIAN ARMY IS GUILTY OF WAR CRIMES -ICC” has been bursted.

According to the fake reportage, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that Nigerian army is guilty of war crimes against humanity.

A statement by the Army Spokesman, Brig Gen Sani has denied claims by the said Austin Oboh classified as a “5th columnist”.

Gen Usman revealed that the Nigerian Army has not been accused of any wrong doing let alone being arraigned before any court.

He said it is wrong and a sheer mischief for any person, group or newspaper to allege that the Nigerian Army has been found guilty of war crimes.

The statement reads in part:

“For the avoidance of doubt, yesterday, Monday, 10th December 2018, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) presented the 2018 Report of her activities. 

“Nowhere in the 78 page report titled “Report of Preliminary Examination Activities 2018” dated 5th December 2018, did she state that the Nigerian Army is guilty of any crime let alone war crimes as the newspaper alleged. Although it is true that the OTP is currently investigating allegations of human rights violations made against the Nigerian Army, that investigation is still at its preliminary stages and does not translate to standing trial, let alone being found guilty. 

“We are dismayed by the recklessness of the said newspaper in publishing such a sensationally false story and giving it undue prominence. 

“A simple research on the website of the International Criminal Court would have provided clarity on the issue. 

“We urge journalists and editors to consider the national security implications of this type of publications. Our nation’s security should not be jeopardised by the desire to sell publications or cause mischief. 

“It is our hope that the Daily Independent newspaper will properly inform itself on the inaccuracy of its story by setting the records straight and apologise to the Nigerian Army,” it said.