The National Human Rights Commission has called for the arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, over remarks it described as divisive, inflammatory and capable of inciting religious hatred.
Drivetvnews gathered that the commission’s call followed comments reportedly made by Jingir at an event in Kano, where he defended the proposed Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections and allegedly called for 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.”
Ojukwu warned that allowing such statements to go unchallenged could worsen religious divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence in the country.
The commission urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to investigate, arrest and prosecute the cleric, stressing that accountability should apply to everyone regardless of status or political affiliation.
The NHRC warned that failing to act could embolden religious leaders and other influential figures to make increasingly inflammatory statements as the 2027 general elections approach.
The commission also appealed to religious leaders, politicians and traditional rulers to avoid rhetoric capable of fuelling tension and urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics.
