Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist and former president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, has voiced fears for his safety following his release from prison, where he served four years for charges related to blasphemy and incitement.
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Bala was arrested on April 28, 2020, at his home in Kaduna after complaints were lodged against him for allegedly breaching public peace and inciting outrage among Muslims. He was subsequently transferred to Kano State, where he faced legal proceedings.
In 2022, a Kano State High Court sentenced Bala to 24 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 18 charges, including blasphemy and incitement. However, an appellate court later reduced his sentence, deeming it excessive.
In an interview with the BBC after his release, Bala expressed gratitude for his freedom but acknowledged lingering fears for his safety.
“The freedom is here, but also, there is an underlying threat that I will now have to face,” Bala said. “The concern about my safety is always there.”
Explaining his decision to plead guilty, Bala revealed he did so to safeguard himself and others connected to his case.
“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 explained.
Bala’s appeal against the initial sentence was founded on several grounds, including:
- The Kano State High Court’s lack of jurisdiction.
- The judge’s predisposition to convict, as reflected in the delivery of the ruling.
- Failure to grant Bala the benefits of his guilty plea.
- Misapplication of the law in sentencing Bala to consecutive terms.
His case has attracted international attention, sparking debates about freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and human rights in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have called for stronger protections to ensure his safety and the rights of individuals to freely express their beliefs.
Bala’s plight underscores the precarious position of dissenting voices in Nigeria, where religious sensitivities often intersect with legal and societal pressures, posing challenges to fundamental freedoms.
Nigerian Bar Association Monthly Newsletter Maiden Edition – December 2024