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
-
Finance Minister to unveil Mahama’s 2025 Budget today
54 minutes -
Philippines’ ex-President Rodrigo Duterte arrested at ICC’s request over ‘drugs war’, government says
1 hour -
Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate: Gomoa Senior High Technical outshines Serwaa Kesse Girls’ SHS to win contest
2 hours -
Geisha champions women’s empowerment and progress at 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo
2 hours -
Musk’s Tesla facilities in US face ‘Takedown’ protests
2 hours -
Charity M. E. Adupong’s vision of promoting food security and empowering women in agricbusiness
2 hours -
Stocks fall in US and Asia over Trump tariffs concerns
2 hours -
Liverpool need best display of season to beat PSG – Slot
3 hours -
King and Kate return to annual Commonwealth service
3 hours -
US unveils new app for ‘self-deportations’
3 hours -
More than 80% of USAID programmes ‘officially ending’
3 hours -
Ayra Starr, Mofe-Damijo to join Idris Elba as cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
3 hours -
Businessman, farmer granted bail for allegedly defrauding estate developer
3 hours -
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency recovers nearly $500m in one year
4 hours -
NDC Sowutuom branch organiser granted GH¢100,000 bail pending appeal
4 hours