The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, over alleged hate speech and incitement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission made the demand in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, in which it condemned what it described as “hateful and inciting remarks” allegedly made by the cleric in a viral video.
The NHRC said it viewed with serious concern comments attributed to Jingir, alleging that he canvassed religiously exclusive politics ahead of the elections and used derogatory language referring to “infidels” while urging supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
The commission described the alleged comments as a threat to 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,” it stated.
The commission warned that such comments could deepen religious divisions and create tension among Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
“They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another,” the NHRC said.
It added: “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.”
The commission consequently urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to immediately investigate, arrest and prosecute Jingir over the alleged offences.
It also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric, while urging Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery and respect for human rights.
The NHRC stressed that prosecution should be pursued regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
“Prosecution must proceed irrespective of status or political affiliation in order to serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to exploit religion for political gain during this election period,” the commission stated.
It further said it would continue to monitor compliance and engage security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to promote peaceful, free and credible elections in 2027.
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