We stand by our report - Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI) said it stands by its report indicting top Nigerian military officers over war crimes in the Northeast.

AI media manager in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi stated this in a response to the summary of the report by the Nigerian military panel investigating allegations of human rights.

While quoting Osai Ojigho, the Director of AI Nigeria, Sanusi said, “We stand by the findings of our research and our call for an investigation that is independent, impartial and thorough; criteria that this panel clearly does not meet. “

He added that, “We maintain that the nine senior commanders named in our report should be the subject of an effective and independent investigation.”

The press statement said, “To this end we welcome the panel’s recommendation that there should be a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into these allegations of horrific war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in northeast Nigeria.

“President Muhammadu Buhari promised an independent investigation into our allegations of human rights violations and crimes under international law two years ago. This is a vital step and must be implemented as a matter of urgency by the government.”

“Amnesty International’s priority is justice, human rights and the dignity of human life in Nigeria. We maintain that those suspected of committing human rights violations and crimes under international law on all sides of the conflict must be brought to justice in fair trials before civilian courts without recourse to the death penalty. We also urge the military to make the whole of this report public.”