The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has claimed that a certain number of deaths would have to occur in Nigeria before President Bola Tinubu could face prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Amaechi made the claim while addressing ADC stakeholders in a video circulating online, during which he warned the President against what he described as his administration’s alleged crackdown on opposition figures.
The former Rivers State governor cited the case of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is being held in connection with allegations relating to thousands of deaths during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
According to Amaechi, the Nigerian government should be mindful of the potential consequences of actions that could lead to civilian deaths, warning that international law could hold individuals in positions of authority accountable.
He said, “We must be ready. You know why? International law says there is a number of persons that must die at the hands of this government before Tinubu will be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.”
Amaechi further claimed that the President’s Attorney-General was familiar with the legal issues involved, insisting that Tinubu could face arrest even if he remained within Nigeria.
He said the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s detention demonstrated that former heads of state could face international legal proceedings over alleged crimes.
“Who remembers the former Philippine president? Five thousand persons were killed, and they went to where he was hiding and took him. It was at the airport that the president tried to stop them,” Amaechi stated.
He added that the authorities involved in issuing orders that allegedly resulted in unlawful killings could also face legal consequences.
According to the ADC chieftain, military commanders and police authorities who give unlawful orders could potentially be held accountable under international law.
“One thing about international law is that it is not only Tinubu they will catch. The general who issued the instruction, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector-General of Police who issued the instructions will also be arrested,” he said.
Amaechi urged opposition supporters and other Nigerians not to allow themselves to be intimidated by security operations, arguing that fear could discourage citizens from exercising their rights.
“So, when they shoot, it is to frighten you, and you must resist it,” he added.
His remarks come amid political tensions and concerns about the treatment of opposition figures in Nigeria. However, Amaechi’s comments represent his interpretation of the circumstances under which the ICC could pursue a case against Nigerian officials.
Under international law, the ICC does not automatically arrest a president after a specific number of people have been killed. Its jurisdiction depends on the nature of the alleged crimes, the applicable legal requirements and the circumstances of each case.
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