Humanists UK has made an urgent appeal to the United Nations at the 56th Session of the Human Rights, for the immediate release of Mubarak Bala, President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, who has been imprisoned in Nigeria since 2020.
Bala was arrested and convicted on 18 counts of “causing a public disturbance” under the Kano Penal Code, for his social media posts, deemed controversial by authorities. He was initially sentenced to 24 years in prison, later reduced to five years on appeal.
Humanists UK Policy and Campaigns Officer Laura Newlyn made the appeal in a video stating:
“Nigeria’s Constitution protects freedom of religion or belief, including the right to change religion or belief. However, these protections are undermined by de facto blasphemy laws under section 204 of the Criminal Code that determines ‘an act which any class of persons consider as a public insult on their religion’ may be imprisoned for up to two years.
“Further to this, the Constitution allows constituent states to establish their own Sharia courts on civil matters only, yet twelve northern states utilise Sharia criminal codes. These courts can and do implement severe sentences for blasphemy and apostasy, with punishments including execution.
“This runs counter to this Council’s resolution 36/17 which urges all states that have not yet abolished the death penalty to ensure it is not imposed for specific forms of conduct, including apostasy.
“We remain concerned about how this overlaps, intersects with, and undermines the right to freedom of expression, which is also guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Humanists UK has been vocal in condemning Bala’s detention, citing concerns over freedom of expression and religious discrimination. The organization has called on the UN to pressure Nigeria to release Bala and ensure his safety.
“Mubarak Bala’s imprisonment is a clear violation of human rights. We urge the UN to take immediate action and secure his release,” said a Humanists UK spokesperson.