The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council and the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, have jointly called for the release of Mubarak Bala, who has been detained for four years without trial.
The two associations made the demand on Monday during a courtesy visit by NAS to the NUJ Secretariat in commemoration of this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
The NAS delegation was led by its Capoon, Mr. Olufemi Adesope.
The delegation was welcomed by NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and other executive members of the association.
It was gathered that Bala, who 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.
Chairman, HAN Board of Trustees, Leo Igwe confirmed that police officers, who were not in uniform, took Bala from his residence. https://dailypost.ng/2020/04/29/mubarak-bala-humanists-leader-arrested-for-alleged-blasphemy-in-kaduna/
NAS appealed to NUJ to join efforts in securing the release of Bala.
Babalola in his reaction, also called for the release of the detainee. He also expressed gratitude for the visit and assured to positively look into the collaboration between the body and the NUJ.
Babalola encouraged NAS to persist in its endeavors towards a fairer society, pledging more collaboration from NUJ.He emphasised the importance of the rule of law and sanctity of the detainee’s human rights.
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