G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist and outspoken critic of religion, has been released from prison after serving more than four years for blasphemy. His conviction and imprisonment sparked international outcry, and although he is now free, Bala fears for his safety and lives in a secure location due to potential threats against his life. His case has reignited a national debate on freedom of speech and the dangers faced by those who challenge religious norms in Nigeria, a country deeply rooted in religious beliefs.
Bala, who renounced Islam in 2014, was convicted in the northern city of Kano, a predominantly Muslim region governed by both secular and Sharia law. In 2020, he was arrested after a group of lawyers filed a complaint over his controversial Facebook post, which they deemed blasphemous. Despite spending two years in prison awaiting trial, Bala made a surprising decision in 2022 to plead guilty to 18 charges related to the post. His guilty plea baffled many, including his legal team, but he explained that it was a strategic move to protect those who supported him, including his family, friends, and lawyers.
The initial 24-year sentence handed down to Bala was reduced last year by an appeals court judge who deemed it excessive. His release has brought relief to Nigeria’s small atheist and humanist communities, but concerns remain over his safety. Bala himself admits that while he is grateful for his newfound freedom, the threats that haunted him during his incarceration may still persist. He expressed fear of being targeted by religious extremists, especially in Kano, where blasphemy is a serious offense under both Islamic and criminal law.
"Freedom is here, but also there is an underlying threat I now have to face," Bala told the BBC in an exclusive interview. During his imprisonment, he feared for his life, particularly in the early stages when he was detained in Kano. He believed that he could have been harmed by guards or fellow inmates due to his views. Bala acknowledges that his activism has always carried risks, but he stands by his actions. "When I made the decision to come out, I knew I could be killed. I knew the dangers, and I still decided to do it," he said.
International rights groups have condemned Bala's conviction, describing it as a violation of his freedom of expression. His case has highlighted the challenges faced by non-religious individuals in Nigeria, where openly questioning religious doctrines can lead to social ostracization, legal action, and threats of violence. The Humanist Association of Nigeria, which has been advocating for Bala's release, welcomed the news of his freedom but criticized the damage to his reputation caused by the conviction. "There is a dent on him as if he committed a crime. For us at the Humanist Association, he committed no crime," said Leo Igwe, the association's founder.
Bala’s detention has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s atheist and humanist communities, creating fear and uncertainty among those who share his beliefs. Despite this, Bala remains resolute in his convictions and intends to continue advocating for secularism and human rights. He is eager to rebuild his life, including reconnecting with his family and his young son, who was just six weeks old when Bala was imprisoned.
While his release marks a significant victory for human rights advocates, the underlying issues of religious intolerance and restrictions on free speech remain prevalent in Nigeria. The case of Mubarak Bala highlights the risks faced by those who challenge societal norms and the urgent need for legal reforms to protect freedom of expression in the country. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding human rights in religiously conservative societies and the ongoing struggle for individuals to live without fear of persecution for their beliefs.
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