Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman, has regained her freedom after about two years of imprisonment over alleged blasphemy.
She was released on bail following an intervention from civil society organizations, family members, and religious bodies. Her husband confirmed her bail but currently denies journalists access.
According to her lawyer, Joseph Danboyi, her bail application was heard and granted by Justice Fatima Jibrin of a high court in Bauchi. After release, Rhoda left Bauchi for Gombe State.
The international rights group, Peace Building and Social Justice, emphasized Jatau’s 19-month imprisonment, stating,
“Jatau has been held in prison for 19 months for condemning the murder of a young schoolgirl Deborah Samuel over alleged blasphemy. She is a Christian and a mother of five.”
The group urged for her unconditional release and informed that,
“Rhoda’s next hearing is still scheduled for the 19th of December 2023; we need to raise our voices and demand her unconditional release.”
Just before her release, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development, Bauchi, explained that Jatau was picked up on 20th of May, 2022, at her residence by the Nigerian Police Force on the allegations of alleged incitement and inciting public disturbance.
According to CITAD, “the Police action was based on their perception of what her message could do. However, immediately after sharing the post, she was arrested and taken into custody.
“Her bail was consistently denied, and she has been held behind bars ever since. This is not just an injustice to Rhoda; it is an attack on the digital rights of every citizen in this country,” it stated.
| Channels TV
