Arrest, prosecute Sheikh Jingir over alleged hate speech – NHRC
NHRC Calls for Arrest of Cleric Over Alleged Hate Speech Ahead of Elections
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for alleged hate speech and incitement related to the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement released Tuesday, Executive Secretary Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, expressed the commission’s deep concerns over remarks attributed to Jingir in a viral video that surfaced Sunday. The NHRC characterized these comments as promoting religiously exclusive politics and included the use of the term “infidels.”
The commission warned that such statements could undermine Nigeria’s constitutional principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence. It described Jingir’s remarks as hate speech and incitement to religious hatred, emphasizing the potential for increased violence during the electoral period.
“The Commission finds these remarks to be reckless and dangerous,” the statement read. “They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines.”
The NHRC cautioned that inaction could embolden other religious leaders to make similar inflammatory statements. “We cannot afford to look away,” the commission stated, highlighting the risks of allowing unchecked rhetoric from influential figures.
Consequently, the NHRC has called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to take immediate action against Jingir for his alleged offenses.
The commission also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from making inflammatory remarks and encouraged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics. Instead, it suggested evaluating political leaders based on their competence, performance, and commitment to human rights.
The NHRC stressed that prosecution should not be influenced by an individual’s status or political connections. “Prosecution must proceed irrespective of status or political affiliation to deter others who might exploit religion for political gain during this election period,” it asserted.
Looking ahead, the NHRC pledged to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and civil society organizations to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted free from hate and violence.
