President of the Nigerian Humanist Association Mubarak Bala is finally free after nearly four-and-a-half years of imprisonment for ‘blasphemous’ posts on Facebook. Mubarak was jailed in 2020 and convicted in 2022 by the High Court in Kano. Initially he was sentenced to 24 years but in May his sentence was drastically reduced to five years after Court of Appeal judges found that his original sentence was excessive and in contravention of the law. Like humanists all over the world, Humanists UK has been campaigning for Bala’s release since he was arrested and today expressed delight at the news.
Bala was first arrested for posting ‘blasphemous’ content on Facebook that was deemed likely to cause a public disturbance. He was eventually convicted on 18 counts of ‘causing a public disturbance’ under the Kano Penal Code and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment. His case was persistently marred by procedural irregularities. He was detained without charge for over a year and denied access to his lawyers, family, and medical attention for extended periods. Even once charged, his trial was repeatedly delayed and the charges against him were duplicated. Before his trial, the Abuja High Court ruled that he should be released on bail but this was ignored by Kano State authorities. When the trial came, under duress, Bala pled guilty to all charges against him.
Humanists UK raised the matter repeatedly with the UK Government and parliamentarians and the UK Government took substantial action, including engaging at ministerial level, while he has been mentioned in Parliament over 50 times. Humanists UK also organised a protest outside the Nigerian High Commission and met the High Commissioner about his case.
Humanists UK has reiterated again that Bala should never have been arrested for peacefully expressing his humanist views. His case exemplifies how blasphemy laws violate not only the right to freedom of expression, but also the right to freedom of religion or belief – which includes the right to hold non-religious beliefs such as humanism – as they are used to harrass, victimise, and discriminate against the non-religious and religious minorities. Humanists UK campaigns for the repeal of all blasphemy laws worldwide.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented:
‘Words can hardly express how relieved and delighted we are to learn that our colleague and friend Mubarak Bala has finally been released after what has been such an outrageous denial of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Nigeria’s own constitution.
‘While we celebrate Mubarak’s release, we want to extend our thanks to all those who have campaigned on his behalf – our patrons, members, and supporters, our colleagues from different faith and belief backgrounds across the UK, and the UK Government itself.
‘12 countries still have the death penalty for the so-called crime of blasphemy, including Nigeria, and in 58 more countries you could go to prison. Meanwhile, perpetrators of vigilante justice and mob violence against those who have allegedly caused “religious offence” can act without impunity. We will continue to campaign for the repeal of all blasphemy laws and for the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief for everyone, everywhere.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Read more about our international work.
Read more about the End Blasphemy Laws campaign.
Read Humanists International’s case file on Mubarak Bala.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.