Essex Alumnus recognized for legal advocacy in Nigeria
Kola Alapinni, an alumnus of the University of Essex, has been honored by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, for his significant contributions to legal advocacy in Nigeria. Alapinni's work centers on defending individuals facing blasphemy charges in Kano, Northern Nigeria, where he has successfully overturned harsh sentences and fought against unconstitutional laws.
Kola's journey into this legal battleground began amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Recalling the inception of his involvement, Kola stated, "We decided to narrow down on religious freedom, which had been a repeating problem in Nigeria." He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the case of a young singer accused of blasphemy caught their attention amidst the chaos of lockdowns and societal unrest.
Faced with daunting obstacles including threats of mob violence and logistical challenges, Kola remained undeterred in his pursuit of justice. Describing the perilous conditions in Northern Nigeria, he remarked, "Representing individuals appealing sentences delivered under the Sharia Penal Code is a calling and it isn’t made for every lawyer." Despite the risks, Kola pressed forward, filing appeals and navigating legal complexities to secure freedom for those unjustly accused.
Kola's efforts extended beyond the high-profile case of the singer to include securing the release of a 13-year-old boy sentenced to 10 years in prison for blasphemy. Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, he stated, "How are we going to sleep tonight? There's a 13-year-old boy in prison sentenced to 10 years."
The recognition from the US Secretary of State comes as a validation of Kolas tireless advocacy and courage in confronting injustice. He likened the award to the "Nobel Prize of the human rights world" and emphasized the collaborative nature of his work, crediting diplomatic allies and supporters for their invaluable contributions.
As Kola awaits a date for the case to be heard in the Supreme Court, his commitment to upholding religious freedom and challenging unconstitutional laws remains steadfast. He continues to advocate for justice and equality, embodying the spirit of perseverance instilled in him during his time at the University of Essex.
Kola's time at the university proved to be a pivotal period in his life, marked by challenges and triumphs alike. "I lived in Wivenhoe Park for three years, where my family and I made lasting connections," he recounted. "Despite facing funding issues and family challenges, the faculty of the Human Rights Center provided unwavering support, allowing me to navigate through difficult times."
The values instilled in him during his studies, such as perseverance and critical thinking, continue to shape Kola's approach to legal advocacy. "The lessons learned at Essex have been invaluable in my work," he affirmed. "They have equipped me with the resilience and determination needed to confront injustice and uphold human rights principles."
As Kola reflects on his journey from student to advocate, he remains grateful for the foundation laid at the University of Essex. "I am immensely proud to carry the LLM Essex after my name," he expressed. "Essex, as the spiritual home of human rights, will always hold a special place in my heart."
Kola's courageous stance has not only earned him accolades but has also garnered attention and support from international diplomatic circles. Entities such as the US Embassy and the British High Commission have intervened behind the scenes, lending their support to Kola'sAlapinni's cause.
Reflecting on the international support received, Kola stated, "The people who got involved behind the scenes were the British Embassy in Abuja, British High Commission, and the US Embassy. They were very alarmed by what was going on and collaborated with the government."
However, Kola remains humble about the recognition he has received, attributing it to the collective effort of all involved. He emphasized, "I suppose every little helps, like they say."