NHRC Urges Police, DSS to Arrest Sheikh Jingir Over Alleged Hate Speech
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over alleged hate speech and statements it says could fuel religious tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call after reviewing a viral video in which Jingir was allegedly heard making remarks advocating religious-based political mobilisation and encouraging his followers to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to “show their limit.”
Ojukwu described the comments as inflammatory and potentially dangerous, particularly given the heightened political and religious sensitivities expected ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the NHRC boss, the alleged description of people of other faiths as “infidels,” alongside the cleric’s political messaging, could deepen religious divisions and encourage citizens to view the electoral process through the prism of religious identity.
“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,” Ojukwu said.
He warned that ignoring such statements could create an environment in which religious and political figures feel emboldened to make increasingly divisive comments as the elections approach.
“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 added.
The NHRC consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to take immediate legal action against the cleric over the alleged offences.
The Commission stressed that any investigation or prosecution should be conducted without regard to Jingir’s religious standing, political connections or affiliations, maintaining that the law must apply equally to all Nigerians.
Ojukwu said the alleged remarks were at variance with constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights agreements.
He also cautioned religious leaders, politicians and traditional rulers against using their influence to promote messages capable of dividing Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.
Rather than relying on identity politics, he urged Nigerians to evaluate political leaders based on competence, integrity, performance, service delivery and commitment to fundamental human rights.
The NHRC further appealed to citizens to resist attempts by political or religious actors to turn faith into an instrument of electoral mobilisation.
Ojukwu said the Commission would continue to monitor developments and work with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to promote a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 polls.
The intervention comes amid growing concerns over the use of religious and ethnic sentiments in political mobilisation as parties and politicians intensify preparations for the next general elections.
Jingir has previously attracted controversy over politically sensitive religious statements.
He was criticised over a video message circulated ahead of the 2019 general elections in which he addressed his followers on voting and religious identity.
The latest development has consequently renewed calls for influential religious figures to exercise restraint and ensure that political advocacy does not degenerate into rhetoric capable of threatening national cohesion, peaceful coexistence and electoral stability.
