Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what information they have on the status of Mubarak Bala.

The UK Government remains concerned about the continued detention of Mubarak Bala and we are monitoring his case closely. We continue to make representations to the Nigerian Government on Mr Bala's case. Most recently, our High Commissioner raised the case with Foreign Minister Onyeama on 6 October, and with the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force on 18 September. The Minister for Africa discussed the case with Foreign Minister Onyeama in May. We welcome the news that Mr Bala was granted access to legal representation on 7 October and that a hearing is scheduled for 15 October. We continue to stress to the Nigerian Government the importance of a transparent investigation that respects Mr Bala's human rights, the rule of law, and the Nigerian constitutional right to freedom of religion or belief.

Defending freedom of religion or belief for all remains a UK Government priority and we will continue to use our voice internationally to protect this human right.