The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of an Islamic cleric captured in a viral video allegedly placing a N2 million bounty on a pastor accused of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed.

The association warned that a failure by security agencies to act swiftly could trigger reprisals and jeopardize public peace.

Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the association, issued the demand in a statement in Kaduna on Sunday.

He described the development as a dangerous act of incitement capable of inflaming religious tensions across Northern Nigeria.

Hayab expressed deep concern that a religious leader, whose role is to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, would instead engage in actions designed to destabilize society.

The NCA Chairman emphasized that while the association has consistently advocated for peace in the region, this commitment is for the collective good and should never be mistaken for a sign of weakness.

He urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.

Hayab warned that should any harm come to the pastor, the NCA would not hesitate to place a retaliatory bounty on the cleric’s head.

Furthering his appeal, the Christian leader called on Islamic authorities across the country to openly condemn the cleric’s actions and distance the faith from any form of religious violence.

He noted that silence from moderate voices could embolden extremists and deepen existing communal divisions.

Hayab argued that placing a bounty on an individual’s life directly undermines the rule of law and violates the sanctity of human life.

Citing Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), he reminded authorities that every citizen is guaranteed the right to life, and no person should be deprived of it except through a court-ordered execution following a criminal conviction.

“There is no monopoly on violence. The fact that we choose peace should not be taken for granted,” Hayab stated.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Hayab urged restraint among all parties.

He advised citizens who feel their religious or personal rights have been violated to seek redress through the police or appropriate legal channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.

The association reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence, while insisting that justice must be pursued strictly through lawful means.

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