NHRC demands action against Sheikh Jingir over alleged hate speech

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir over remarks widely condemned as divisive and inflammatory.

The call followed comments made by the cleric at an event in Kano, where he defended the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections and reportedly urged Muslims to assert political dominance over Christians.

In a statement, NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described the remarks as “hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence,” warning that such comments could deepen divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence.

The commission urged security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, to arrest and prosecute the cleric, stressing that accountability must apply regardless of status or political affiliation.

“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 stated.

The commission also called on religious leaders, politicians and traditional rulers to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.