NHRC urges Police, DSS to arrest, prosecute Sheikh Jingir over hate speech

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately 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 on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, condemning what it described as “hateful and inciting remarks” allegedly made by Jingir in a viral video circulated on Sunday.

The NHRC said it was particularly concerned by the cleric’s alleged call for religiously exclusive politics ahead of the elections and his use of the term “infidels” while urging his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to “show their limit.”

According to the rights commission, the remarks constitute a direct threat to the principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence guaranteed under 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,” the statement said.

The NHRC warned that such rhetoric could deepen religious divisions and create tension among Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls.

“They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another.

“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,” it added.

NHRC Demands Immediate Prosecution

The Commission subsequently called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute Jingir for alleged hate speech and incitement.

It said prosecution should proceed regardless of the cleric’s status or political affiliation, arguing that such action would serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to exploit religion for political purposes.

“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.

The NHRC also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric and called on Nigerians to reject identity-based politics.

It urged voters to assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery and respect for human rights.

The Commission further disclosed that it would continue to monitor compliance and engage with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to promote peaceful and credible elections.

“The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and will engage with security agencies, INEC, and civil society to ensure that the 2027 elections are free from hate and violence,” it said.

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