Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria remain poor, with both state- and societally perpetrated violations. The federal government continues to persecute the leadership and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMNi), a Shi’a minority group. Additionally, there are widespread instances of intercommunal and militia violence, rampant kidnapping, and general criminality that also prevent religious freedom.

Source: Catholic faithfuls, led by bishops, march during a protest over unending killings of Nigerians in Abuja, RUETERS / Sotunde

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Mubarak Bala

Mubarak Bala is a self-identified atheist from Kano State in northeast Nigeria. He became well known in 2014 when the media reported that he had been forcibly drugged and committed to a psychiatric unit by his family members after… Read More >

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is a little-known Islamic gospel musician from Kano State, northern Nigeria. He belongs to the Tijaniyya order, a popular Sufi Islamic order across North and West Africa. Within the Tijaniyya, he belongs to what is… Read More >

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Leah Sharibu

On February 19, 2018, ISWAP attacked the Government Girls Science and Technical School in Dapchi, Yobe State, Nigeria. ISWAP abducted 110 girls, five of whom were reported killed in the abduction. In March, ISWAP returned 104 girls to… Read More >

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USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual Report

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