Nigerian atheist standing trial for blasphemy against Islam in civil court

Bala is accused of blasphemy against Islam and was hurled before the court after a complaint was filed by a group of Muslims.

The accused was said to have allegedly posted uncomplimentary messages against Islam on social media.

The 37-year-old is president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, and was arrested by the authorities in 2020 in neighbouring Kaduna state and later transferred to Kano, his home state, the BBC Africa LIVE page noted.

Bala has serially denied the charges filed by the Kano state government. He appeared before the Kano state High Court on Monday and was remanded by the judge citing his own security.

The trial is expected to continue today, April 5.