Nigeria: Progress in the case of Mubarak Bala

A verdict in the appeal of Nigerian humanist, Mubarak Bala, is expected to be handed down no later than 21 May 2024.

President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala

President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, is currently appealing a 24-year prison sentence handed down in April 2022, after he pleaded guilty to charges of ‘causing a public disturbance’. Humanists International has reason to believe this plea was made under duress.

On 21 February 2024, the Court of Appeal panel sitting in Kano approved the regularization of Mubarak Bala’s appeal – a process required due to the delayed submission of appeal documents –, and formally accepted written arguments from the prosecution and defense.

According to court documents reviewed by Humanists International, Bala has instructed his lawyers to appeal on four grounds:

• Lack of jurisdiction of the Kano State High Court;
• The Judge’s predisposition to convict as indicated in the delivery of his ruling;
• Failure to accord Bala the benefits of a guilty plea;
• Misapplication of law in sentencing Bala to consecutive terms.

With all relevant documents filed, a special panel of three Justices of the Court of Appeal sitting in Kano, will review the arguments and deliver its Judgment no later than 21 May 2024.

Humanists International believes that Nigerian humanist Mubarak Bala has been targeted solely for his peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of religion or belief, and expression. The organization urges the Appeal Court to set aside the Judgment of the trial Court and uphold Bala’s appeal, quashing his conviction and facilitating his immediate and unconditional release.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash