ABUJA, Nigeria – Media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has called for the arrest and investigation of an Islamic cleric identified as Shafiy Adeba over remarks he allegedly made about Muslims having the “right” to enslave non-Muslims.
Olayinka criticised the cleric in a social media post, describing the alleged comments as extremist and dangerous in a religiously diverse country such as Nigeria.
Olayinka Demands Action Against Cleric
According to Olayinka, the cleric allegedly made statements suggesting that Muslims had a religious right to enslave non-Muslims and declared hostility towards people described as “infidels.”
Reacting to the alleged remarks, Olayinka questioned why such preaching would be made in the South-West, where Muslims, Christians and traditional religion worshippers live together.
He argued that statements promoting hostility or the dehumanisation of people based on their religion should be treated seriously by the relevant authorities.
Olayinka further called for the cleric to be arrested, saying that inflammatory preaching could contribute to religious extremism and insecurity.
Religious Remarks Spark Debate
The controversy has generated discussion across social media, particularly over the alleged comments concerning slavery and the use of the term “infidel.”
In a subsequent social media post, Olayinka sought to explain the term “infidel,” arguing that its meaning depends on the religious perspective of the person using it.
He said people of different faiths can be described as “infidels” by followers of another religion because they do not share the same religious beliefs.
Nigeria’s Religious Tensions
The development comes amid renewed public debate over religious rhetoric and political statements capable of increasing tension between religious communities in Nigeria.
Recent comments by other Islamic clerics concerning “infidels” and Muslim political solidarity have also attracted criticism from Christian leaders and political figures.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, John Hayab, was among those who criticised recent controversial remarks by Sheikh Yahya Jingir, describing them as capable of deepening religious tension.
Call for Responsible Religious Preaching
The controversy has renewed calls for religious leaders and public figures to exercise caution when making statements that could affect relations between Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
Nigeria is home to large Muslim and Christian populations, alongside traditional religious communities, making responsible public communication particularly important in preventing unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding.
While Olayinka has called for the cleric to face investigation, the allegations against Adeba should be distinguished from established facts. Any criminal liability or other legal consequences would have to be determined by the appropriate authorities following a proper investigation.
As reactions continue, attention is expected to focus on whether security agencies or other relevant authorities will respond to the call for an investigation.
PressHub Media Agency will continue to monitor the development and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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