Audio By Carbonatix
Human rights campaigners have expressed outrage over the sentencing of an atheist to 24 years in jail by a court in the northern Nigerian state of Kano.
Mubarak Bala, the president of Humanist Association of Nigeria, was arrested in 2020 and on Tuesday pleaded guilty to 18 charges of blasphemy against Islam and posting messages on social media that could incite violence.
Humanist International, an organisation committed to promoting freedom of belief around the world, described the judgement as ‘’outrageous’’.
It said it was ‘’a day of shame for the Nigerian authorities".
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom also condemned the jailing of Bala.
His group, the Humanist Association of Nigeria, said it was ‘’utterly shocked’’ and it was a ‘’sad day’’ for humanism and freedom.
But the court ruling has been widely welcomed in northern Nigeria – a predominantly Muslim region – with some saying his actions denigrate the religion of others.
Rights groups say they will continue to campaign for his release.
The 37-year-old atheist renounced Islam in 2014 and later became the president of Humanist Association of Nigeria.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana is rising again – Mahama declares
4 minutes -
Firefighters subdue blaze at Accra’s Tudu, officials warn of busy fire season ahead
35 minutes -
New Year’s Luv FM Family Party in the park ends in grand style at Rattray park
40 minutes -
Mahama targets digital schools, universal healthcare, and food self-sufficiency in 2026
47 minutes -
Ghana’s global image boosted by our world-acclaimed reset agenda – Mahama
1 hour -
Full text: Mahama’s New Year message to the nation
1 hour -
The foundation is laid; now we accelerate and expand in 2026 – Mahama
1 hour -
There is no NPP, CPP nor NDC Ghana, only one Ghana – Mahama
2 hours -
Eduwatch praises education financing gains but warns delays, teacher gaps could derail reforms
2 hours -
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
3 hours -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
3 hours -
Playback: President Mahama addressed the nation in New Year message
3 hours -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
5 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
5 hours -
Traffic chaos on Accra–Kumasi Highway leaves hundreds stranded as diversions gridlock
5 hours