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 issued on Tuesday and signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, following comments attributed to Jingir in a viral video circulated on Sunday.
The NHRC said it was deeply concerned by what it described as the cleric’s “hateful and inciting remarks,” alleging that he openly promoted religiously exclusive politics and used derogatory references to non-Muslims while encouraging his supporters to obtain voter cards.
According to the Commission, such statements threaten the constitutional principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
It described the remarks as capable of fuelling religious hatred and violence, particularly at a time when the country is preparing for another general election.
“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,” the statement said.
The NHRC warned that allowing inflammatory comments by influential religious figures to go unchecked could encourage similar rhetoric from both Christian and Muslim clerics and other public figures, with potentially serious consequences for national stability.
It therefore urged the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to take immediate steps to arrest and prosecute Jingir for alleged hate speech and incitement.
The rights commission also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
It urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery and respect for human rights.
The Commission further stressed that any prosecution arising from such conduct should be pursued regardless of an individual’s status or political affiliation.
“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,” it said.
The NHRC added that it would continue to monitor developments and work with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to promote a peaceful and violence-free 2027 electoral process.
