A prominent Nigerian atheist who was imprisoned for blasphemy has just been freed after serving more than four years in prison and is now living in a safe house as his legal team fears his life may still be in danger.
Great to see the Nigerian atheist Mubarak Bala freed from prison after spending four years behind bars for blasphemy. Credit to @HumanistsInt for their advocacy on his behalf. I wish Mubarak well in speaking freely and staying safe.https://t.co/gOr9fodChX #FoRB
— Stephen Evans (@Stephenmevans1) January 8, 2025
40-year-old Mubarak Bala was convicted in a court in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, a Muslim-majority city, after, in a surprise move, he pleaded guilty to 18 charges of blasphemy relating to a Facebook post shared in 2020.
"The concern about my safety is always there," Bala told BBC in an exclusive interview.
Nigeria is a deeply religious country, and those who may be seen as having insulted religion in Nigeria, whether Islam or Christianity, two of Nigeria’s main religions, face being shunned and discriminated against.
Blasphemy is an offense under Islamic law, which operates alongside secular law in 12 states in Nigeria’s north, which are primarily Muslim. It is also an offense under Nigeria’s criminal law.
Bala, who renounced Islam in 2014, said there were times during his incarceration when he felt he "may not get out alive" due to fears of being possibly targeted by fellow inmates or guards in the first prison he was in.
'I never thought I may get out of prison alive'
Prominent Nigerian atheist Mubarak Bala has been freed from incarceration spending four years in prison on 'blasphemy' related charges. Bala's case outraged the world and sparked a fierce debate on freedom of speech in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/On4fUPOBgm— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) January 7, 2025
"Freedom is here, but also there is an underlying threat I now have to face," Bala said. "All those years, those threats, maybe they're out there."
Bala, who was arrested after a group of lawyers filed a case against him over his social media post, could have been behind bars for much longer, but an appeals court judge reduced his initial 24-year prison sentence last year, describing it as "excessive.”
He spent two years in prison awaiting trial before being convicted in 2022. His guilty plea initially shocked many, including his legal team, but Bala stood by his decision, saying that his decision relieved the pressure on those who stood by him.
"I believe what I did saved not only my life but people in Kano," Bala said. "Especially those that were attached to my case because they are also a target."
Bro just looking for a chance to go to the west.
— Abdul (@nasrudiinabdul) January 8, 2025
His conviction was condemned by human rights organizations both in Nigeria and abroad, and his imprisonment also sparked debate on freedom of religion in Nigeria. Although his release relieved the country’s small atheist and humanist community, there are still concerns over Bala’s safety.
"It's thanks and no thanks," Leo Igwe, the founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, said. "Thanks that he's out, thanks that he's a free man. But no thanks, because there is a dent on him as if he committed a crime. For us at the Humanist Association, he committed no crime."
Upon his release, Bala said he is keen to catch up on lost time, including getting to know his young son, who was only weeks old when he was imprisoned. Bala said he has no regrets.
"My activism, my posting on social media, I always knew the worst would happen. 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." Bala said.
Humanists International also welcomed Bala’s release from prison but added that the fight is not yet over.
Mubarak should never have been arrested for peacefully expressing his humanist views. His case exemplifies how blasphemy laws are used to harass, victimise, and discriminate against both non-religious & religious minorities
After years of calling for his freedom, we are elated— Humanists UK (@Humanists_UK) January 7, 2025
“Today, we celebrate Mubarak Bala’s release – a hard-won victory that fills us with immense joy and relief. This triumph would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Humanists.” Andrew Copson, President of Humanists International, said.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of them. While we rejoice in Mubarak’s freedom, we remain committed to fighting for the countless others who remain unjustly imprisoned for their beliefs. Their struggle is our struggle, and we will not relent until they, too, are free.” he added.
