We are delighted that our ally and friend Mubarak Bala, a brave campaigner for humanism in the majority-Muslim country of Nigeria, has been released from prison in Abuja. Mubarak was arrested in April 2020 on charges of “blasphemy” following a single Facebook post. In 2022, following a trial marred by irregularities, he was sentenced to 24 years in prison. This was drastically reduced in 2024 by Nigeria’s court of appeal to five years.
Bala had renounced Islam in 2014 and faced threats during his imprisonment, especially in Kano, a predominantly Muslim city. Blasphemy is considered a criminal offense in Nigeria, both under Sharia law and secular law in certain regions.
His conviction sparked widespread criticism from international human rights organizations and raised concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria. His release after two years in prison is a relief to many, however there are expressed mixed feelings about the implications of his conviction. Bala, now free, expressed no regrets about his activism and remains aware of the ongoing threats against him. He is focused on reconnecting with his young son, who was an infant when he was imprisoned.
