A Bauchi-based group, the Concerned Zaar Patriots, CZP, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, calling for an immediate investigation into alleged hate speech by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Salisu AA Imam Bauchi, against the Zaar/Sayawa ethnic group.
The group accused Sheikh Salisu of using social media platforms to broadcast inciting, insulting and discriminatory remarks against the Sayawa people.
In the petition dated September 11, 2025, and signed by Hon. Ishaya Dangana, the CZP alleged that Sheikh Salisu’s utterances violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015, particularly Sections 24 and 26, as well as other criminal laws.
According to the group, the cleric’s remarks followed Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent announcement of the creation of a Zaar Chiefdom, which Sheikh Salisu allegedly opposed with inflammatory comments.
The petition warned that his statements could trigger ethnic tension and violence in Bauchi State, noting that the comments were widely circulated on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
“Sheikh Salisu AA Imam Bauchi described the Zaar (Sayawa) people as infidels and pagans (arna/kafirai) without any provocation or justification,” the petition stated.
The CZP described the remarks as ethnically discriminatory and religiously demeaning, adding that they undermine the dignity and reputation of the Zaar people.
They also argued that the comments were aimed at marginalizing the Sayawa from sociopolitical processes, including the long-demanded recognition of their Chiefdom.
“The utterances have already begun generating tension in Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro and surrounding LGAs, where Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and others have been coexisting peacefully,” the petition read.
The group thanked Governor Mohammed for his peacebuilding efforts and interventions in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro, saying his prompt actions helped avert escalation of recent conflicts.
