From Seminary To Humanism: Leo Igwe On Dismantling Witchcraft Accusations And Reimagining Community Beyond Faith

"Any ideology... that values an idea more than human life must be condemned." Dr Leo IgweA sober, urgent conversation with Nigerian human rights activist Dr Leo Igwe on the real cost of unbelief in Nigeria and across the Global South. Joining hosts Clive Areude and Audrey Simmons, Leo reflects on his journey from the Catholic seminary to humanism, the violence driven by witchcraft accusations and blasphemy laws, and why fear, not faith, continues to shape religious identity at home and in the diaspora.This episode confronts the murders, imprisonments, and silencing that follow when belief is enforced, and asks what responsibility non-believers have to speak, organise, and build alternatives that protect human life.🎙️ In this episodeLeo’s path from seminary training to humanism through philosophy and critical inquiryWitchcraft accusations in Nigeria and how they lead to abuse, exile, and killings Why many Nigerians identify as religious out of fear rather than convictionThe murder of Deborah Samuel and the dangers of blasphemy accusations The imprisonment of Mubarak Bala and what his case reveals about state power and religionOnline activism as both protection and personal risk for Black non-believersWhy silence enables violence, and why humanists must respond collectivelyThe need to invest in leadership, services, and visible action, not just words🔗 Referred cases and further readingHuman Rights Watch on the murder of Deborah Samuel: https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/16/student-nigeria-murdered-over-blasphemy-allegationBBC News on the imprisonment of Mubarak Bala:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62zpk4nnxdoAdvocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW): https://advocacyforallegedwitches.orgHumanists International – Freedom of Thought Report:https://humanists.international/what-we-do/freedom-of-thought-report/Thanks for listening to the Secular Sankofa Podcast, produced by the Association of Black Humanists (ABH). If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more people discover Black humanist voices.Stay connected with us:🌍 Meetup: association-of-black-humanists👍Facebook: @AssociationBlackHumanists📸 Instagram: @abhumanists🕊️ X / Twitter: @abhumanists▶️ YouTube: Association of Black Humanists🎵 TikTok: @assoc_of_black_humanistsLearn more about our work and community at abhumanists.org🎙️ Podcast produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe..Learn more at www.humanise.live or [email protected]🎶 Music: Icy by Jeff Kaale