Humanistically Speaking rejoices at the news that ex-Muslim Mubarak Bala has been released from prison in January. This is how Humanists International reported the breaking story (extracts):
Humanists International celebrates the release of Mubarak Bala, almost four-and-a-half years after his arbitrary arrest from his home in Kaduna State. President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, was apprehended at his home in Kaduna State on 28 April 2020 in connection with a complaint filed against him relating to his Facebook posts. From the moment that Humanists International was alerted to the news, the organization, together with its global network of Members and supporters mobilized, raising public awareness and much-needed funds to support his legal defense. Over the course of the next four years, together with a coalition of international actors, Humanists International was able to ensure Bala had support throughout his ordeal. After he pled guilty to the charges under duress, his legal team was able to mount a successful appeal that led to the reduction of his 24-year sentence to five years. In August 2022, together with partners, Humanists International was able to secure Bala’s transfer from Gorun Dutse prison in northern Nigeria to Kuje prison in Abuja, where he could be closer to his wife and child, and where it was hoped that he would be safer.
There is little doubt that Mubarak’s long struggle for freedom would not have been successful if it was not for the dedicated and selfless advocacy of Dr. Leo Igwe and the legal expertise of lead counsel James Ibor, among many others. Igwe and Ibor continued to liaise closely with Bala throughout his incarceration and were pivotal in securing a 20-year reduction in his initial sentence. Against a backdrop of severe tension and threats of violence and intimidation, they were unwavering in their efforts to support Mubarak. Humanists International also worked closely with many state delegations and partner organizations, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the UN Special Rapporteurs, and others. Mubarak and his family have also been assisted by many hard-working individuals around the world who have provided social support, practical support to Mubarak and his family, and friendship and solace during his four years in prison. Read the full article here.
Mubarak Bala – back story
Mubarak Bala, the President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, was arrested in April 2020 and later sentenced to prison due to Facebook posts deemed blasphemous under Nigerian law. These posts were considered offensive to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, leading to charges of causing or intending to cause a public disturbance. The specific content of Bala’s posts included criticisms of religious beliefs and expressions of atheism, which were interpreted by authorities as insulting to religious sentiments in the predominantly Muslim region of Kano State. His arrest and subsequent sentencing sparked international debates over freedom of expression and religious tolerance. In 2022, Bala was sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 charges related to his Facebook posts. However, in May 2024, the Court of Appeal in Kano reduced his sentence to five years, acknowledging that the original sentence was excessive and in contravention of the law. After serving nearly four and a half years, Bala was released in January 2025. His case has been a focal point for discussions on human rights, freedom of belief, and the legal boundaries of expression in Nigeria. While the general nature of Bala’s posts is known, the exact wording has not been widely published, due to their sensitive nature and the potential for causing offence.
From our archives: May 2022
“Mubarak Bala has never been a religious but rather a political prisoner. The posts that got him arrested related to ‘blasphemy’ but were merely a convenient way to imprison him and therefore silence and control him. If not this, I’m certain something else would have been used instead.” Lynda Tilley
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