By Palang Paul
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, over alleged hate speech and incitement.
The commission made the demand on Tuesday in Abuja, following a viral video in which Jingir was accused of making religiously divisive remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the NHRC said it was deeply concerned by what it described as “hateful and inciting remarks” allegedly made by the cleric.
The commission said Jingir appeared to advocate religiously exclusive politics while allegedly referring to non-Muslims as “infidels” and urging his supporters to obtain voter cards to “show their limit.”
According to the NHRC, such remarks undermine the principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
It described the alleged comments as hate speech and incitement to religious hatred, warning that such rhetoric could heighten tensions and trigger violence as the country approaches another general election.
The commission said allowing religious and political figures to make inflammatory statements without consequences could encourage similar rhetoric from other influential individuals and deepen divisions among Nigerians.
Consequently, the NHRC urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute Jingir.
It stressed that any prosecution should proceed regardless of the cleric’s status or political affiliation, arguing that accountability was necessary to deter others from exploiting religion for political gain.
The commission also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric, while calling on Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery and respect for human rights.
The NHRC said it would continue monitoring developments and engage security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and civil society organisations to promote free, peaceful and violence-free elections in 2027.
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