Nigerian Atheist Mubarak Bala Released from Prison, Faces Ongoing Threats

Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian atheist who spent more than four years in prison for blasphemy, has been released but is now in hiding due to safety concerns. His story highlights the dangers faced by those who challenge religious norms in Nigeria.

Mubarak Bala, a prominent 40-year-old Nigerian atheist, has recently regained his freedom after enduring more than four years of imprisonment for blasphemy. He is currently residing in a safe house due to fears for his life following the legal proceedings surrounding his case. His conviction came from a court in Kano, northern Nigeria, where he unexpectedly pled guilty to 18 charges stemming from a controversial Facebook post shared in 2020.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Bala expressed ongoing concerns for his safety, stating, "The concern about my safety is always there." As he enjoyed his first meal post-incarceration, he reflected on the deep-rooted religious norms of Nigeria, a society where criticism of either Islam or Christianity can lead to severe social repercussions, ostracization, or even violence.

In Nigeria, blasphemy laws are enforced through both Sharia and secular legal systems, particularly in the northern states where Islamic law is applicable. During his prison term, Bala admitted to moments where he feared for his life, worried about potential threats from both prison guards and fellow inmates in Kano, a city predominantly Muslim.

He was initially sentenced to 24 years in prison, a ruling later overturned by an appeals judge who deemed the sentence "excessive." Upon his release in Abuja, he appeared fatigued yet joyous, donning casual attire, alongside his supportive lawyer. "Everything is new to me. Everything is new," Bala remarked, as he savored his newfound liberty.

Bala’s legal troubles began after a group of lawyers filed a complaint regarding his social media post. He spent two years in pre-trial detention before his eventual conviction in 2022. While many were taken aback by his guilty plea, Bala maintains that this decision alleviated the pressure on his supporters. "I believe what I did saved not only my life, but people in Kano," he stated, referring to the potential risks faced by those associated with his case.

His conviction drew sharp criticism from international human rights entities and sparked significant discourse on freedom of speech within Nigeria. His release has brought a sense of relief to Nigeria's limited atheist and humanist communities; however, concerns linger about his safety and the implications of his conviction. Leo Igwe, founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, expressed mixed feelings, stating, "Thanks, that he's out... But no thanks, because there is a dent on him as if he committed a crime."

Now free, Bala is eager to reconnect with his young son, who was merely six weeks old at the time of his imprisonment. Despite the risks, he shows no regrets regarding his activism. "I always knew the worst would happen," he affirmed, underscoring the convictions that drove him to speak out, even under such perilous circumstances.