Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist recently released after more than four years in prison for blasphemy, is now living in a safe house due to ongoing fears for his safety. Bala, 40, was convicted in 2022 in Kano, a predominantly Muslim city in northern Nigeria, after pleading guilty to 18 charges related to a controversial Facebook post he shared in 2020.
Speaking to the BBC, Bala reflected on his time in prison, describing constant fears for his life, particularly during his initial incarceration in Kano. “Freedom is here, but also there is an underlying threat I now have to face," he said, acknowledging that his safety concerns persist even after his release.
A Controversial Conviction
Bala, who renounced Islam in 2014, was arrested after a group of lawyers filed complaints against him for alleged blasphemy. Under Nigeria's dual legal system, blasphemy is an offense both under Islamic Sharia law, applicable in 12 northern states, and the country's criminal code.
Initially sentenced to 24 years in prison, an appeals court judge reduced his sentence in 2022, calling the punishment “excessive.” Bala’s guilty plea, which surprised many—including his legal team—was a strategic move, he said, to reduce pressure on his supporters and prevent potential violence against those associated with him. “I believe what I did saved not only my life, but people in Kano,” he stated.
Freedom at a Cost
Bala’s release has been met with mixed emotions. While human rights groups and members of Nigeria’s small atheist and humanist communities have expressed relief, concerns remain about the broader implications for freedom of speech in the country. “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, founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria.
Despite the hardships, Bala remains resolute. “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,” he said.
Looking Forward
Now free, Bala is focused on rebuilding his life, including reconnecting with his young son, who was only six weeks old when he was imprisoned. While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, Bala’s story continues to spotlight issues of religious freedom and human rights in Nigeria, sparking critical debates that transcend national borders.
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