NHRC Demands Immediate Arrest, Prosecution of Sheikh Jingir Over Hate Speech

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the immediate arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir due to his allegedly hateful and divisive remarks. These comments allegedly promoted religiously exclusive politics and encouraged supporters to obtain voter cards, potentially exacerbating religious tensions ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election.

Executed by NHRC's Chief Tony Ojukwu, the demand comes after the commission reviewed a viral video in which the cleric called for religiously exclusive policies and urged his supporters to show their loyalty by obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The remarks, according to Ojukwu, included referring to followers of other faiths as "infidels" and urging citizens to engage in religiously stratified political mobilisation.

Ojukwu described these statements as hate speech, incitement to religious hatred, and a threat to Nigeria's principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence. He warned that such conduct could incite violence amidst the country's electoral preparations, urging authorities to act decisively. The NHRC emphasised that such behaviour should not be tolerated, irrespective of the individual's religious or political affiliation, to deter others from exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.

The commission urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political figures to refrain from divisive rhetoric and instead, encourage rational, merit-based electoral discourse.