The BHA has welcomed news that a legal case against Humanist campaigners in Nigeria has been dropped. The case was brought against Leo Igwe (International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) Representative in West Africa) and other human rights campaigners by members of the Liberty Gospel Church as an attack on the work of the Nigerian Humanist Movement relating to the rights of children who had been branded ‘witches.’
The BHA reported on a previous attack by the church in July, where members stormed a conference on human rights and witchcraft being run by the Nigerian Humanist Movement and the UK charity Stepping Stones Nigeria. After this attack, the church brought proceedings against Mr Igwe and others, arguing that their actions were infringing on the rights of church members to believe in God, Satan and witchcraft. However, on the second day in court, the accusers and their lawyers were not in court so the lawyer leading the defence team asked the court to strike out the case due lack of diligent prosecution. The court granted his request.
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, ‘We are delighted to hear that the case against Leo has been dropped. The case was an obvious attack by the church who felt threatened by the human rights activism of a dedicated team of outstanding individuals who are trying to protect children who are being targeted due to the belief that they are ‘witches.’ Their work will continue and the BHA and other humanist organisations will continue to support them.’
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For more information or comment, please contact Pepper Harow on 020 7462 4992
Read details on how you can support the campaign to help Nigeria’s ‘witch children.’
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.