Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of an Islamic cleric allegedly captured in a viral video placing a N2 million bounty on a pastor accused of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, warning that failure by security agencies to act could trigger reprisals and threaten public peace.
The Chairman of the Association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, describing the development as a dangerous act of incitement capable of worsening religious tensions in northern Nigeria.
Hayab expressed concern that a religious leader, who should ordinarily promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, was allegedly involved in actions capable of destabilising society.
He noted that the NCA had consistently advocated for peace in the region, stressing that such commitment was for the collective good and not a sign of weakness.
Hayab urged the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, else should anything happen to the pastor, NCA would also place a bounty on his head without any hesitation.
The northern Christian leader further 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, adding that silence from moderate voices could embolden extremism and deepen divisions.
According to him, placing a bounty on an individual’s life undermines the rule of law and violates the sanctity of human life.
Citing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, Hayab referenced Section 33 (1), which guarantees the right to life and stipulates that no person shall be deprived of his life except in execution of a court sentence following conviction for a criminal offence.
“There is no monopoly of violence. The fact that we choose peace should not be taken for granted,” he retorted.
Hayab, however, urged restraint among all parties and advised citizens who feel that their rights have been violated to report such grievances to the police or appropriate authorities, rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The Association reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for fundamental human rights, while insisting that justice must be pursued strictly through lawful means.
