Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to immediately arrest and prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, for hate speech and incitement.

The Commission, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said it condemned in strong terms “the hateful and inciting remarks” it said were made by the cleric in a viral video on Sunday.

The NHRC said it watched with grave concern as the cleric openly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics ahead of the general elections and used derogatory language referring to “infidels” while urging supporters to obtain voter cards to “show their limit.”

The rights body described the statements as a direct attack on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, 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.

“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 Commission stated.

Consequently, it 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 Jingir for hate speech and incitement.

The Commission implored religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric, even as it urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and to hold leaders accountable based on competence, service delivery, and respect for human rights.

“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 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,” the statement further read. (Vanguard, but headline reworked)

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