By SUNTV Global Channel
August 10, 2026
The Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has distanced itself from a viral statement circulating on social media which purportedly expressed the organisation’s full support for Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over controversial comments attributed to him concerning Christians and political issues.
JNI described the viral publication as fake, unauthorised and misleading, insisting that it does not represent the official position of the organisation.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the organisation’s Publicity Secretary, Gambo Hamza, following the circulation of a publication claiming that JNI Plateau had declared, “We Stand With Sheikh Jingir 100%.”
According to JNI, the statement did not originate from the organisation and should be disregarded by members of the public.
The Islamic body explained that although Sheikh Jingir, as a religious scholar, is entitled to express his personal opinions on matters of public interest, his individual views should not be interpreted as the official position of JNI.
JNI further stated that it is a broad-based Islamic organisation committed to promoting peace, unity, religious understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
The organisation also stressed that it does not ordinarily take sides in partisan political contests or endorse specific political candidates, parties or political arrangements.
It therefore rejected any claim that it had authorised or endorsed a statement offering unconditional support to Sheikh Jingir in relation to the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket or any other partisan political matter.
JNI said it was particularly concerned that the fabricated statement could be an attempt to create religious tension and undermine efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.
The organisation urged Muslims and Christians to avoid allowing disagreements involving individual religious leaders to deepen divisions between the two faith communities.
JNI also called on journalists, media organisations and social media users to verify statements attributed to the organisation before publishing or sharing them.
The group further denied having an official position known as “Special Adviser on New Media” and said it has no official named Abdulsalam Ahmad, who was reportedly associated with the disputed statement.
JNI has consequently called on relevant security agencies to investigate the source of the publication, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action if wrongdoing is established.
The clarification comes amid heightened public debate over comments attributed to Sheikh Jingir on religious and political matters.
Given Plateau State’s history of ethno-religious tensions, JNI warned against the spread of false information capable of worsening relations between Muslims and Christians.
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