Hate Speech: “Arrest Him Now” — NHRC Orders Security Agencies to Go After Sheikh Jingir

Hate Speech: “Arrest Him Now” — NHRC Orders Security Agencies to Go After Sheikh Jingir

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), saddled with the responsibility of protecting the rights of every citizen and visitor in Nigeria, has called on security agencies to arrest Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over what it described as hate speech and incitement.

Jingir, in a viral video on Sunday, openly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, using derogatory language referring to “infidels” while urging his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to “show their limit.”

The development prompted the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) to condemn in strong terms the hateful and inciting remarks made by the cleric.

Ojukwu called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute him for hate speech and incitement.

The NHRC Executive Secretary said the Commission watched with grave concern as the cleric openly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics ahead of 2027 and used derogatory language referring to “infidels” while urging supporters to obtain voter cards to “show their limit.”

He described the statements as a direct attack on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution 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,” the Executive Secretary stated.

“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 added.

He said the prosecution must proceed irrespective of the cleric’s status or political affiliation, in order to serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to exploit religion for political gain during the election period.

The Learned Silk further called on all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric.

He urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and hold leaders accountable based on competence, service delivery, and respect for human rights.

“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,” he concluded.