NHRC calls for arrest, prosecution of Sheikh Jingir over ‘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 comments capable of causing religious hatred and violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NHRC Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call on Monday after the commission reviewed a viral video in which Jingir allegedly promoted religious politics, described people of other faiths as “infidels” and urged his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to “show their limit.”

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Ojukwu warned that such comments could worsen religious divisions in Nigeria and create tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the remarks as “hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence”, saying the commission would not remain silent while influential people use religion to divide Nigerians.

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

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

The commission called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute the cleric.

Ojukwu, who is also Nigeria’s Chief Human Rights Officer, said the prosecution should go ahead regardless of Jingir’s position, influence or political affiliation.

He said taking action would discourage other religious and political figures from using religion to gain political support.

“We cannot afford to look away. If we fail to speak and act now, we embolden both Christian and Muslim clerics and other influential persons to make worse statements in the coming months. That path leads only to crisis,” he said.

The NHRC said the alleged remarks violated the principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

The commission also warned religious leaders, politicians and traditional rulers against making inflammatory statements as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.

It urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and judge political leaders based on competence, performance and respect for human rights rather than their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Ojukwu said the NHRC would continue to monitor inflammatory statements and work with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to prevent hate speech from turning into election-related violence.

“The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and will engage with security agencies, INEC, and civil society to ensure that the 2027 elections are free from hate and violence,” he said.