Abuja:The Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) has urged for comprehensive criminal justice reforms and increased accountability to safeguard freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and freedom of expression in Nigeria. This appeal was made by Mrs. Funke Adeoye, Executive Director of HBBA, during the North-Central FoRB and Justice Convening held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, HBBA, a non-profit organization, focuses on promoting criminal justice reforms, providing legal aid, and rehabilitating vulnerable inmates. The convening, organized by HBBA with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), attracted faith leaders, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, researchers, and various civil society organizations to address challenges impacting religious freedom and justice.
Adeoye emphasized that FoRB is a fundamental right allowing individuals to freely practice their religion or belief without discrimination. She highlighted the inseparable nature of religious freedom from justice, civic rights, and community protection. The event was designed to transition from dialogue to action, aiming to enhance rights protection and accountability.
Legal expert Ms. Tsema Ede cautioned against the misuse of vague laws to suppress minority views and called for balanced legislative interventions in religious freedom. She stressed the importance of systemic institutional reform, adherence to the rule of law, and equal protection for national unity and security.
Mr. Alex James, Executive Director of the Rivers in the Desert Initiative, urged a deeper examination of Sharia law’s relationship with FoRB and freedom of expression, highlighting the need for clear differentiation between criminal and civil matters. Rev. Fr. Barkindo Atta from the Kukah Centre advocated for the establishment and fair application of laws governing hate speech and incitement.
Mr. Stanley Ibe, an HBBA board member, also called for the unbiased implementation of FoRB laws. Participants included representatives from various organizations such as the Kukah Centre, NASFAT, YALI Abuja, and the National Human Rights Commission, among others.