Jingir: NHRC demands arrest of cleric over alleged provocative speech

By Jude Opara

Certainly the last is yet to be heard about the alleged hate speech delivered by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who referred to Christians as infidels who are also inferior to Muslims, as the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu who condemned in strong terms the inciting remarks has also called for the immediate arrest of the cleric.
In a statement, he personally signed, Ojukwu said the Commission watched with grave concern as the cleric openly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics ahead of 2027 and used derogatory language referring to “infidels” while urging supporters to obtain voter cards to “show their limit.”
According to him, the utterances was a direct attack on 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.
“They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another,” he stated.
The Executive Secretary further argued that such incendiary comments must not be allowed to be freely made because of the fact that it could send wrong signals that some people are above the laws of the land.
“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.
He called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for hate speech and incitement.
He said: “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 nation’s Chief human rights defender further advised all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric.
He urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and to hold leaders accountable based on competence, service delivery, and respect for human rights.
“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”, he concluded.
The meeting gathered party executives, stakeholders, elected officials, and supporters from across Zone 3, all of whom reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.