Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has called for the arrest of Islamic cleric Shafiy Adeba following controversial remarks attributed to him concerning Muslims and non-Muslims.
Olayinka reacted after a video circulated in which Adeba was alleged to have said Muslims have a “right” to enslave non-Muslims.
The remarks have generated strong reactions, particularly because of the sensitive religious and social implications of statements involving Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.
Olayinka called on security authorities to investigate the cleric and take appropriate action over the comments.
The controversy comes amid heightened public debate over religious rhetoric and political statements concerning Muslim-Muslim political tickets.
The reaction has also renewed questions about the limits of religious speech and the responsibility of public figures and religious leaders to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions.
The specific comments attributed to Adeba should be considered in their full context, while any criminal allegation arising from them would ultimately require investigation by the appropriate authorities.