The National Association Of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Zuma Deck, Abuja, has called for the unconditional release of Mubarak Bala, who has been in jail since 2020.
NAS made the call in commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, noting that Freedom of the press, also includes the freedom to criticise and oppose.
In a statement on Monday by Nnamdi Eze, Zuma Deck Capoon, the Association said Bala is unjustly imprisoned for alleged blasphemy, noting that gagging of free speech is against the principles of democracy.
Bala, was until his arrest, President of Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN) was arrested in the year 2020. He was picked up by security operatives in Kaduna.
He was who was on April 5, 2022, sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by the Kano State High Court after he was arraigned on an eighteen-count charge of blasphemy and public incitement.
Eze emphasised the importance of the rule of law and sanctity of the detainee’s human rights, saying he has not committed any offence to warrant such prison sentence.
He explained that Association is committed to advancing the United Nations (UN) development goals, including quality education, healthcare, strong institutions, and sustainable peace.