NHRC Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Cleric Jingir Over Alleged Hate Speech

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over alleged hate speech and incitement to religious hatred in a viral video ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made the demand on Tuesday in Abuja, describing the cleric’s reported remarks as dangerous, divisive and capable of triggering violence in an already sensitive political environment.

Ojukwu urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and take immediate action.

He stressed that no individual, irrespective of status, influence or political affiliation, should be considered above the law.

The NHRC boss expressed particular concern over remarks attributed to Jingir in which he allegedly advocated religiously exclusive politics, referred to some Nigerians as “infidels” and urged his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to “show their limit.”

According to Ojukwu, such statements amounted to an attempt to exploit religion for political mobilisation and violated the principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

“The Commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence.

“At a time when we are preparing for another general election, such utterances are reckless and dangerous,” he said.

Ojukwu warned that inflammatory rhetoric could deepen religious divisions and undermine peaceful political participation as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

He said failure by security and law-enforcement authorities to respond decisively to such statements could embolden other influential individuals, including religious and political leaders, to escalate divisive rhetoric.

“They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another,” Ojukwu said.

He therefore urged the relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law through hate speech or incitement is held accountable