A well-known Nigerian atheist, recently released from over four years of imprisonment for blasphemy charges, is currently residing in a safe location due to concerns for his safety. Mubarak Bala, aged 40, was found guilty in a Kano court after unexpectedly admitting to 18 charges linked to a contentious Facebook post from 2020. In an exclusive interview with the BBC following his release, Bala expressed ongoing worries about his safety in a society where insulting religions, be it Islam or Christianity, can lead to ostracism and discrimination.
Living in a country where both Islamic law (Sharia) and secular law coexist, Bala, who publicly renounced Islam in 2014, faced moments of fear for his life during his imprisonment. He suspected potential threats from guards and other inmates at the predominantly Muslim prison in Kano. Despite his newfound freedom, Bala acknowledged the lingering threats he perceives around him, reflecting on the years of intimidation he endured.
Bala’s sentence was reduced from 24 years by an appeals court judge who deemed it excessive, allowing him to finally leave prison. Upon his release in Abuja, he appeared fatigued yet content, adorned in a white T-shirt, khaki shorts, and flip-flops, accompanied by his jubilant lawyer. Bala expressed a mix of emotions at his liberty, remarking on the unfamiliarity yet welcomed sense of freedom.
Known for his vocal criticism of religion, Bala’s arrest stemmed from a complaint lodged by a group of lawyers regarding his online post. Following two years of pretrial detention, he stood trial and was convicted in 2022. Despite puzzling many with his guilty plea, Bala stands by his decision, believing it shielded those who supported him from undue pressure.
International rights organizations decried Bala’s conviction, igniting discourse on free speech in Nigeria. His detainment resonated within Nigeria’s small atheist and humanist circles, drawing relief upon his release, albeit shadowed by lingering apprehensions. While many celebrate his freedom, concerns persist regarding the stain on his reputation and the broader implications for freedom of expression in the country.
Eager to make up for lost time, including reconnecting with his infant son born during his imprisonment, Bala remains resolute about his activism and social media engagements despite the risks involved. Undeterred by the potential dangers he faces, he remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for his beliefs.
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