Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has issued a stern call for the immediate arrest of three prominent figures – Islamic clerics Sheikh Sani Jingir and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, as well as Senator Francis Fadahunsi – over what he described as inciting comments capable of worsening the country's already fragile security situation. Irabor, who spoke on Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Thursday, August 13, 2026, insisted that no individual, regardless of their political or religious standing, should be allowed to operate above the law.
The retired military chief's remarks came in response to a series of controversial statements made by political and religious leaders in the build-up to the 2027 general elections and the upcoming Osun State governorship poll. He specifically addressed a viral video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, was allegedly heard calling on his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. "For me as a person, any time we hear individuals making inciting comments, I think that such people should be picked up immediately," Irabor declared.
While commending the police for inviting Fadahunsi for questioning, Irabor argued that the senator should be investigated beyond the initial interrogation. "I think the police have done the right thing by inviting him, and he should be questioned even beyond that," he said. The former CDS stressed that political rhetoric that borders on incitement to violence must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Irabor then extended his call for action to Islamic clerics Sani Jingir and Ahmad Gumi, whom he accused of making statements that could further heighten tensions in the country. "Added to that is of course the Sheikh in Kano, Sheikh Jingir, who also made some comments which of course I believe are also inciting, that could also add to the bouquet of threats that we have," Irabor said. He demanded that Jingir be arrested and that Gumi be invited for questioning, stating that their comments demanded that they be "called not just to order but, of course, invited and arrested".
Sheikh Jingir, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, had recently backed the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential election, urging Muslims to use their voting strength to reflect their numerical superiority in the country. He made the call while addressing guests at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples. Jingir also referred to Christians as "infidels," a remark that has drawn widespread condemnation from Christian leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had earlier called for Jingir's arrest over his remarks on the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Despite the backlash, Jingir has maintained his stance, stating that he has no regrets over his comments. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, another Kaduna-based cleric, has also been a recurring figure in Nigeria's security debates, having previously engaged with bandits and made controversial statements about the country's insecurity.
Irabor emphasised that authorities must take firm action against inflammatory statements to discourage rhetoric that could undermine peace and security. He warned that decisive action would send a strong message that political status, religious influence or public office does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law. "Let the populace know that there is nobody who is above the law and then when you say things that are not right you should be called in to answer," he said.
The former CDS also noted that such measures would boost the morale of the country's defence and security personnel. His intervention comes amid increasing political tensions ahead of the Osun governorship election, with concerns over inflammatory rhetoric, alleged threats and the potential for violence during the electoral process. Fadahunsi, who was invited by the police on Wednesday following backlash over the viral video, has maintained that his comment had been edited to give it a different meaning. However, Irabor's call for arrests has added significant weight to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability for public figures who incite violence.
As the nation approaches the 2027 general elections, Irabor's warning serves as a reminder that the line between political rhetoric and incitement to violence must not be crossed. His demand that Jingir, Gumi and Fadahunsi be arrested and prosecuted reflects a broader concern that inflammatory statements, left unchecked, could further destabilise a country already grappling with multiple security challenges. Whether the authorities will act on his call remains to be seen, but the former CDS has made it clear that the era of impunity for those who incite violence must come to an end.
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