ARCHIVES
VOL. 2, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Forced displacement as a crime against humanity: Evaluating prosecutorial challenges in Nigerian legal framework
Authors
Mary Udofia, Kingsley Uche Eze, Ijeoma Glory Okoroafor
Abstract
The study evaluated forced displacement in
Nigeria as a potential crime against humanity under international law, focusing
on the transition from humanitarian protection to criminal accountability for
organised population removal. The research adopted a doctrinal methodology
involving analysis of international legal instruments, domestic legislation,
judicial decisions, regional frameworks and relevant academic literature. The
study It assessed the evolution of forced displacement, the international legal
framework governing displacement crimes, and the adequacy of Nigerian domestic
response to displacement caused by terrorism, armed conflicts, communal
violence, insecurity and environmental pressures. Findings revealed that
international law recognises forced displacement as conduct capable of
attracting individual criminal responsibility under the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court, international humanitarian law and regional
instruments such as the Kampala Convention. However, Nigerian legal framework
does not expressly criminalise forced displacement or crimes against humanity
as independent offences. Existing laws address related offences, including
terrorism, murder, assault and property destruction, but provide limited
accountability for individuals responsible for organised campaigns of civilian
displacement. The study identified challenges relating to domestic
incorporation of international crimes, proving the elements of forced
displacement, evidence collection, institutional capacity and victim
protection. The study recommended the incorporation of crimes against humanity
into Nigerian law, creation of a specific offence of forced displacement,
improved investigative mechanisms, stronger protection for displaced persons
and enhanced cooperation among accountability institutions.
Download
Pages:12-21
How to cite this article:
Mary Udofia, Kingsley Uche Eze, Ijeoma Glory Okoroafor "Forced displacement as a crime against humanity: Evaluating prosecutorial challenges in Nigerian legal framework". World Journal of Law, Vol 2, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 12-21
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.