The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over alleged hate speech and incitement to religious hatred in a viral video.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, condemned the cleric’s reported remarks, describing them as hateful, divisive and capable of undermining peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Ojukwu, the NHRC watched the video with “grave concern” in which Jingir allegedly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics and used derogatory language referring to some Nigerians as “infidels,” while urging his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
The Executive Secretary said such statements amounted to an attack on the principles of equality and non-discrimination 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,” Ojukwu said.
He warned that allowing influential individuals to make divisive statements without consequences could encourage similar rhetoric from religious and political actors as the 2027 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.
Ojukwu, who is also the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria, 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 if the allegations are established.
He stressed that any prosecution should proceed irrespective of the individual’s status or political affiliation, saying this would serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt to exploit religion for political purposes.
The NHRC boss also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to desist from divisive rhetoric and identity-based politics.
He urged Nigerians to assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery and respect for human rights rather than religious or ethnic considerations.
“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,” Ojukwu said.
The Commission’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the potential use of religious and ethnic rhetoric to mobilise voters and deepen divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
