The Bauchi State High Court has recently rejected the no-case submission made by Rhoda Jatau, a healthcare worker who has endured 18 months of incarceration.
Jatau’s arrest took place in May 2022 at the hands of the Department of State Services (DSS), following her sharing of a video condemning the lynching of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student accused of blasphemy in Sokoto.
While the prosecution had concluded its case, delays in the defense’s attempt to present a no-case argument persisted, ultimately leading to a submission on October 16.
The court’s recent ruling, delivered on Monday, upheld charges against Jatau, including inciting public disturbance and cyberstalking, despite the presence of limited evidence.
Jatau’s prolonged detention has not gone unnoticed on the international stage, with both the United Nations and Christian Solidarity International expressing deep concerns.
They argue that Jatau’s incarceration represents a violation of her fundamental rights to freedom of expression, religion, or belief.
A particular point of contention is the repeated denial of bail to Jatau, a factor that, according to the UN and CSI, not only restricts her freedom but also raises questions about the fairness and proportionality of the legal measures taken against her.
| Sahara Reporters
