By Gabriel Ameh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over remarks it described as hateful, divisive and capable of inciting religious tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, said the NHRC watched with grave concern a viral video in which the cleric allegedly canvassed religiously exclusive politics and used derogatory references to “infidels” while urging his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Ojukwu described the remarks as a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence, as well as the country’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
According to the NHRC boss, statements capable of dividing Nigerians along religious lines are particularly dangerous as the country approaches another general election.
“The Commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence,” Ojukwu said.
He warned that allowing inflammatory statements from religious leaders and other influential figures to go unchecked could encourage more extreme rhetoric from both Christian and Muslim clerics 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 stated.
The NHRC Executive Secretary therefore 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 Sheikh Yahaya Jingir over the alleged hate speech and incitement.
Ojukwu stressed that any prosecution should be pursued without regard to an individual’s status or political affiliation, arguing that equal application of the law would serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to exploit religion for political purposes.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to avoid inflammatory and divisive rhetoric.
He urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and instead assess political leaders based on competence, service delivery, accountability and respect for human rights.
The NHRC said it would continue to monitor compliance and work with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to promote peaceful, inclusive and violence-free elections in 2027.
The Commission reiterated the importance of responsible public communication as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
