The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir by the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security authorities. The demand, made on August 11, follows a viral video in which the cleric allegedly used hate speech and religious incitement, urging supporters to obtain voter cards to "show their limit" while referring to "infidels."
The NHRC's Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, signed the statement, which condemned the remarks as a direct threat to Nigeria's constitutional principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence. The Commission also cited the country's international human rights obligations, emphasizing that such utterances are reckless and dangerous, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
NHRC Condemns Religiously Exclusive Politics
The Commission expressed deep concern over Sheikh Jingir's open push for religiously exclusive politics, which it said serves only to divide Nigerians along religious lines. The statement read: "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."
The NHRC warned that failure to act now would embolden other influential figures to make even more inflammatory statements in the coming months. "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 Commission added.
Call for Prosecution Regardless of Status
The Commission stressed that any prosecution must proceed without regard to the cleric's status or political connections, as this is necessary to deter others from exploiting religion for political advantage during the election period. It also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to step back from divisive language.
Nigerians were encouraged to reject identity politics and instead hold public officials accountable based on competence, service delivery, and respect for human rights. The NHRC said it would continue to monitor the situation and engage with security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society groups to ensure the 2027 elections remain free from hate and violence.
Context: Gumi Reacts to Sheikh Jingir's Pro-Tinubu Comments
In related developments, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Dr. Ahmad Gumi has called on political actors to stop using religion as a tool for winning elections, stressing that Nigeria's diversity demands greater restraint from faith leaders and politicians. Gumi made these remarks while responding to statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the National Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), in a Facebook post on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The NHRC's demand for action comes amid growing concerns about the use of religious rhetoric in political campaigns, with the Commission vowing to remain vigilant. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such speech is handled in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, as security agencies face mounting pressure to act on the Commission's call.
