Nigerian Non-Believer imprisoned for blasphemy in Northern Nigeria, expresses safety concerns after release from prison

January 08, 2025

By Adedoja Adesoji

The president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, has voiced fears for his safety following his release from prison after serving four years for blasphemy.

Bala who was accused of breaching public peace and inciting outrage among Muslims got arrested on April 28, 2020, at his Kaduna home and taken to Kano after complaints of blasphemy.

The Kano State High Court sentenced him to 24 years in prison in 2022 after he pleaded guilty to an 18-count charge, including blasphemy and incitement.

Bala’s prison term was shortened after an appellate court deemed the initial sentence too lengthy

Speaking to the BBC after his release, Bala revealed, “The freedom is here but also, there is an underlying threat that I will now have to face, probably all those years those threats are maybe out there while I was under the security system.”

“The concern about my safety is always there,” he added.

When asked why he pleaded guilty, Bala explained he did so to protect himself and others. “I believe that what I did then was saving not only my life but people in the state and especially those that were attached to my case, because they were also targets,” he said.

Mubarak Bala’s case has raised widespread international concern, with numerous human rights organizations speaking out against his treatment.

Groups have also expressed deep worries about Bala’s safety, particularly given the sensitive nature of the blasphemy charges brought against him.

The implications of Bala’s case extend far beyond his individual circumstances, with many advocates warning of a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Some persons argued that the prosecution of Bala for alleged blasphemy sets a troubling precedent, potentially emboldening authorities to silence dissenting voices and stifle open discussion.

As the international community continues to monitor Bala’s situation, human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to take steps to protect his safety and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression.