Nigerian Atheist Mubarak Bala Released from Prison, Faces Ongoing Threats

After a protracted legal battle, Mubarak Bala has regained his freedom from a Nigerian prison but remains in hiding, concerned for his life due to the hostile climate towards atheism in the country.

Mubarak Bala, a notable Nigerian atheist, has recently been released from prison after serving over four years for blasphemy, yet he continues to grapple with safety concerns. Convicted in the northern city of Kano following a guilty plea to 18 counts related to a Facebook post he shared in 2020, the 40-year-old is now living in a secure location, as his legal team fears for his safety.

"The concern about my safety is always there," Bala told the BBC in a poignant interview as he enjoyed his first meal outside prison walls. He detailed the psychological torment of his time in confinement, expressing that he often felt his life could be cut short at any moment, either at the hands of prison guards or violent inmates in the predominantly Muslim city.

In Nigeria, where religious sentiments run deep, individuals perceived to have offended any faith can face severe repercussions, including social ostracism and threats to their safety. Under Sharia law, which coexists with Nigeria’s secular legal system in 12 northern states, blasphemy is criminalized, as is the case under Nigeria's criminal statutes.

Bala's journey began in 2014 when he renounced Islam, a decision that led to heightened scrutiny and ultimately his arrest after a group of legal practitioners lodged a complaint. He spent two years in detention prior to his conviction in 2022. His surprising guilty plea, while perplexing to those around him, was an act he claims was done to shield others involved in his case from additional danger.

His case has ignited discussions about free speech and human rights in Nigeria, drawing criticism from global rights organizations. His release has inspired relief within Nigeria's small atheist and humanist circles, however, the strife persists. Leo Igwe, the founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, noted: "Thanks that he's out, but no thanks, because there is a dent on him as if he committed a crime. For us, he committed no crime."

Now free, Bala is eager to reconnect with his life, including spending time with his young son who was just a baby during his imprisonment. Yet he holds no regrets about his advocacy, stating, "I always knew the worst would happen." Despite knowing the risks, Bala is committed to his beliefs and remains a voice for atheism amid a precarious landscape in Nigeria.