Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission has requested law enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute Jos-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over allegations of hate speech and pre-election incitement.
​The official demand was issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from the commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. Signed by the Executive Secretary and Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria, Chief Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), the directive follows a viral video recorded over the preceding weekend in which the cleric campaigned for religiously exclusive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, used derogatory language toward non-Muslims, and mobilized followers to secure voter cards to marginalize opposing groups.
The commission formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to place Sheikh Jingir under arrest and initiate court proceedings to deter religious exploitation during the election season.
The human rights agency noted that the cleric’s statements breach provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and international agreements safeguarding equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence.
Rights officials warned that failing to enforce sanctions against influential leaders risks encouraging retaliatory rhetoric from other religious figures in the months leading up to the 2027 polls.
​Beyond requesting police action, the rights commission advised political aspirants, traditional institutions, and religious figures across the nation to abstain from divisive identity politics.
​The commission called on the electorate to evaluate political candidates on governance capability, administrative competence, and human rights records rather than religious affiliations. To prevent electoral violence, the commission announced plans to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, and security agencies to monitor hate speech across the country.
