The National Human Rights Commission has formally requested that the Federal Government apprehend and charge Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir. This action follows reports of hate speech and calls to violence attributed to the cleric.
Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu issued a statement condemning a recent viral video. In the footage, the commission observed the cleric promoting religious exclusion and using inflammatory language toward those he labeled as infidels. The NHRC argued that these comments threaten constitutional guarantees of equality and peaceful coexistence.
The commission warned that such rhetoric is dangerous, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching. They emphasized that failing to address these remarks could trigger widespread unrest. Consequently, the NHRC has directed the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services to pursue legal action against the cleric to deter future incidents.
Beyond this specific case, the commission appealed to political, traditional, and religious leaders to avoid divisive communication. They encouraged citizens to prioritize governance and competence over identity-based politics. The organization committed to monitoring the situation to ensure the upcoming election cycle remains safe and inclusive.
