Human Rights Boss, Ojukwu Condemns Hate Speech, Calls for Immediate Arrest of Sheikh Jingir
Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu (SAN)
Published by Sola Akingboye, 12 August 2026
Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the hateful and inciting remarks made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir in a viral video on Sunday.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Ojukwu said the Commission watched with grave concern as the cleric openly promoted religiously exclusive politics ahead of 2027, using derogatory language to refer to “infidels” while urging supporters to obtain voter cards to “show their limit.”
He described these statements as a direct attack on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.
“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 risk emboldening both Christian and Muslim clerics and other influential figures to make worse statements in the coming months. That path only leads to crisis,” he added.
In view of this, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and other relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute Sheikh Yahaya Jingir immediately for hate speech and incitement.
Prosecution must proceed regardless of status or political affiliation to serve as a deterrent to others who might seek to exploit religion for political gain during this election period.
The learned Silk further urged all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric. He called on Nigerians to reject identity politics and to 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.
