NHRC Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Sheikh Jingir for Alleged Hate Speech

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir. The commission cited alleged hateful and inciting remarks made by the cleric, which it believes could aggravate religious tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu stated that a review of a viral video revealed the cleric advocating for religiously exclusive politics and urging supporters to obtain Permanent Voter Cards to "show their limit." Ojukwu condemned these remarks, particularly the cleric's reference to people of other faiths as "infidels," deeming them a dangerous attempt to mobilize citizens along religious lines and a form of hate speech.

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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 warned that inaction by authorities could embolden other influential religious and political figures to make increasingly provocative statements as the 2027 elections approach. He stressed the importance of decisive action, stating, "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."

The NHRC urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and other relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute Jingir, regardless of his status or political affiliation. The commission emphasized that equal application of the law is crucial to deter others from exploiting religious sentiments for political gain. The NHRC also encouraged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to abandon divisive rhetoric and focus on leaders' competence, service delivery, integrity, and respect for human rights.

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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.