A prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, has ignited widespread controversy after publicly endorsing the death penalty for Muslims who renounce their faith.  As the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Jalingo made his stance known in a Facebook post dated April 10, 2025, wherein he cited a Hadith stating, "Whoever changes his religion, kill him," asserting that this aligns with Islamic doctrine and is supported by Qur’anic scripture.  

Jalingo's remarks have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and Islamic scholars across Nigeria.  Critics argue that his statements incite violence and contradict constitutional freedoms, particularly the right to freedom of religion enshrined in Nigeria's constitution.  

The cleric's comments have also sparked debates about the interpretation of Islamic texts and the application of Sharia law in Nigeria.  While Nigeria's federal constitution guarantees freedom of religion, some northern states operate under Sharia law, which has been used to prosecute apostasy cases, leading to tensions between religious doctrines and constitutional rights.  

As the controversy continues, calls for dialogue and a re-examination of the balance between religious laws and constitutional rights are growing louder, highlighting the complex interplay between faith, law, and human rights in Nigeria.