Written question asked by Baroness Whitaker (Labour) on Thursday, 16 May 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 May 2024. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Friday, 24 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mubarak Bala

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made recent representations to the government of Nigeria in relation to (1) the ongoing detention of Mubarak Bala, President of the Nigerian Humanist Association; and (2) securing his unconditional and immediate release.

Answer: The UK Government is aware that the Court of Appeal in Kano has reduced the sentence of Mubarak Bala, from 24 years to five. The UK Government continues to raise Mr Bala's case with the Nigerian authorities. In August 2023, the British High Commissioner handed over a letter from Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, on Mubarak Bala's case, to the Kano State Governor, and in January 2024, FCDO officials raised the case again with the Deputy Kano State governor. In the UK, officials remain in communication with Humanists UK and received an update on Mr Bala's case from them on 16 May. The right of individuals to express opinions, including expressing their non-belief, is essential to a free and open society. Dialogue on human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief, will remain an important part of the UK's partnership with Nigeria.

Secondary information