Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist, has been released after spending more than four years in prison on blasphemy charges but now lives in a safe house amid fears for his life.
The 40-year-old was convicted in Kano, a predominantly Muslim city in northern Nigeria, after pleading guilty to 18 charges linked to a Facebook post from 2020. His unexpected plea baffled many, including his legal team, but Bala said it was a calculated decision to protect those around him.
“I believe what I did saved not only my life but also the lives of people in Kano,” Bala told the BBC. “Especially those attached to my case, because they were also targets.”
Living Under Threat
Nigeria’s deep religious divides make accusations of blasphemy, whether against Islam or Christianity, highly dangerous. Under Islamic Sharia law, which operates alongside secular law in 12 northern states, blasphemy is a criminal offense, as it is under the country’s broader criminal code.
During his imprisonment, Bala said he feared for his life, particularly in the early days when he was held in Kano. “There were times I thought I might not get out alive,” he said, describing the threats he faced from both guards and fellow inmates.
Though he now enjoys freedom, Bala acknowledges the ongoing risks. “Freedom is here, but there’s an underlying threat I now have to face,” he said. “All those years, those threats – maybe they’re still out there.”
A Reduced Sentence
Bala initially faced a 24-year prison sentence, but an appeals court reduced it last year, describing the punishment as excessive. His release has sparked relief among his supporters and Nigeria’s small atheist community but has also reignited concerns about freedom of speech in the country.
“Thanks that he’s free, but no thanks for the dent on his record as though he committed a crime,” said Leo Igwe, founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. “For us, he committed no crime.”
Catching Up on Lost Time
Walking out of prison in Abuja dressed in a white T-shirt and khaki shorts, Bala appeared both tired and elated. “Everything is new to me,” he said, embracing his newfound liberty.
Despite the years lost, including time away from his now four-year-old son, Bala expressed no regrets. “When I made the decision to speak out, I knew the risks,” he said. “I knew I could be killed, and I still decided to do it.”
His case has drawn widespread condemnation from international rights groups and fueled debates about religious freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria. For now, Bala remains focused on rebuilding his life, but the shadow of his activism – and the risks it carries – lingers.