The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of an Islamic cleric allegedly captured in a viral video placing a ₦2 million bounty on a pastor accused of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed.
The association warned that failure by security agencies to act swiftly could trigger reprisals and threaten public peace in northern Nigeria.
Chairman of the association, Joseph John Hayab, made the demand in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Sunday.
Hayab described the development as a dangerous act of incitement capable of worsening religious tensions in the region.
He expressed concern that a religious leader, who should ordinarily promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, was allegedly involved in actions capable of destabilising society.
The cleric noted that the association had consistently advocated peace, stressing that its commitment was for the collective good and not a sign of weakness.
He urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
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Hayab warned that failure to act decisively could embolden lawlessness and escalate tensions across communities.
He also called on Islamic leaders across the country to openly condemn the alleged action and distance themselves from any form of violence carried out in the name of religion.
According to him, silence from moderate voices could embolden extremism and deepen divisions within society.
The NCA chairman stressed that placing a bounty on an individual’s life undermines the rule of law and violates the sanctity of human life.
Citing Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he noted that every Nigerian has a guaranteed right to life, except in execution of a court sentence following lawful conviction.
“There is no monopoly of violence. The fact that we choose peace should not be taken for granted,” he said.
Hayab, however, urged restraint among all parties and advised citizens to channel grievances through lawful means rather than taking the law into their own hands, reaffirming the association’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for fundamental human rights.