The Appeal Court in Kano has recently reduced the sentence of Mubarak Bala, the President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, from 24 years to five years.

Bala was arrested at his Kaduna residence on charges of blasphemy and incitement. Originally sentenced by a Kano State High Court in 2022, Bala appealed his conviction after pleading guilty to causing public disturbance.

News emerged on Monday that the Court of Appeal had granted Bala's appeal, reducing his sentence. His lawyer, James Ibor, announced the news on Facebook, calling it "Mubarak Bala's first victory." Bala's appeal was based on four grounds, including the lack of jurisdiction of the Kano State High Court and misapplication of sentencing laws.