After a lengthy imprisonment for blasphemy, atheist Mubarak Bala has been liberated, yet he expresses ongoing concerns for his safety. His case has ignited significant discussions around freedom of speech in Nigeria, alongside haunting reminders of the challenges faced by dissenters within a deeply religious society.
Nigerian Blasphemy Convict Now Free but Lives in Fear
Nigerian Blasphemy Convict Now Free but Lives in Fear
Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian atheist, has been released after over four years in prison for blasphemy but remains wary of potential threats against his life.
Empty line 4
Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist and former prisoner, has recently regained his freedom after serving over four years for blasphemy, yet he remains in a state of heightened vigilance due to fears for his life. The 40-year-old was convicted following a guilty plea to 18 charges stemming from a contentious Facebook post he made in 2020, in a court located in the northern city of Kano.
Bala expressed anxiety about potential dangers he could face post-release, having entered a safe house to evade possible retribution. "The concern about my safety is always there," he stated in an exclusive interview, savoring his first meal as a free man. Nigerian society's deep-seated religious sentiments mean that individuals perceived to have insulted a faith—whether Islam or Christianity—may experience ostracism or discrimination.
In Nigeria, the blasphemy law is enshrined in both Islamic Sharia law and the country's criminal law, particularly in the twelve northern states where Sharia is enacted. Bala, who renounced Islam in 2014, faced numerous challenges during his incarceration, including fears for his safety that arose from potential targeting by prison guards or other inmates.
His sentence could have extended indefinitely had a higher court not intervened last year, deeming the initial 24-year prison term as “excessive.” Upon his release from prison in Abuja, Bala emerged looking fatigued yet cheerful, clad in casual clothing and alongside his supportive lawyer.
Bala's case began in 2020 after a group of attorneys lodged a police complaint about his social media post, leading to his arrest and a two-year wait for trial before his conviction in 2022. Although his decision to plead guilty puzzled many, including his legal team, he defended it as a means to alleviate the burden on his supporters. "I believe what I did saved not only my life, but people in Kano," Bala asserted, referring to those connected to his case who could have faced scrutiny as well.
Bala's conviction has drawn widespread international criticism, highlighting the paradox of freedom of expression within Nigeria. His detention reverberated through the nation's small atheist and humanist circles, with his release bringing a mix of relief and ongoing concern over the message it sends.
Leo Igwe, founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, expressed a conflicted sentiment upon Bala's release: “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 Bala himself, the path forward includes reconnecting with his young son, who was just six weeks old at the time of his imprisonment. He maintains that he has no regrets regarding his activism, acknowledging the potential risks he faced while still feeling compelled to speak out. “I always knew the worst would happen,” he said, reflecting on the dangers that accompany dissent in a fragile socio-political environment.
Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist and former prisoner, has recently regained his freedom after serving over four years for blasphemy, yet he remains in a state of heightened vigilance due to fears for his life. The 40-year-old was convicted following a guilty plea to 18 charges stemming from a contentious Facebook post he made in 2020, in a court located in the northern city of Kano.
Bala expressed anxiety about potential dangers he could face post-release, having entered a safe house to evade possible retribution. "The concern about my safety is always there," he stated in an exclusive interview, savoring his first meal as a free man. Nigerian society's deep-seated religious sentiments mean that individuals perceived to have insulted a faith—whether Islam or Christianity—may experience ostracism or discrimination.
In Nigeria, the blasphemy law is enshrined in both Islamic Sharia law and the country's criminal law, particularly in the twelve northern states where Sharia is enacted. Bala, who renounced Islam in 2014, faced numerous challenges during his incarceration, including fears for his safety that arose from potential targeting by prison guards or other inmates.
His sentence could have extended indefinitely had a higher court not intervened last year, deeming the initial 24-year prison term as “excessive.” Upon his release from prison in Abuja, Bala emerged looking fatigued yet cheerful, clad in casual clothing and alongside his supportive lawyer.
Bala's case began in 2020 after a group of attorneys lodged a police complaint about his social media post, leading to his arrest and a two-year wait for trial before his conviction in 2022. Although his decision to plead guilty puzzled many, including his legal team, he defended it as a means to alleviate the burden on his supporters. "I believe what I did saved not only my life, but people in Kano," Bala asserted, referring to those connected to his case who could have faced scrutiny as well.
Bala's conviction has drawn widespread international criticism, highlighting the paradox of freedom of expression within Nigeria. His detention reverberated through the nation's small atheist and humanist circles, with his release bringing a mix of relief and ongoing concern over the message it sends.
Leo Igwe, founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, expressed a conflicted sentiment upon Bala's release: “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 Bala himself, the path forward includes reconnecting with his young son, who was just six weeks old at the time of his imprisonment. He maintains that he has no regrets regarding his activism, acknowledging the potential risks he faced while still feeling compelled to speak out. “I always knew the worst would happen,” he said, reflecting on the dangers that accompany dissent in a fragile socio-political environment.
