- In May 2022, Jatau was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after posting a video condemning the lynching of Sokoto College student Deborah Samuel, accused of blasphemy by Islamic extremists
A Bauchi State health care worker, Rhoda Jatau, has regained her freedom after spending a harrowing 18 months in incarceration for condemning the killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State.
Jatau was released on bail on Friday following interventions by human rights activists, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.
“We are pleased to report that Mrs Rhoda has been granted bail and subsequently released from detention today. We have high hopes that the case will end in praise. Let’s continue to uphold her in our prayers. The leadership of NIREC played a key role. Praise be to our God”, an official confirmed on Friday.
In May 2022, Jatau was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after posting a video condemning the lynching of Sokoto College student Deborah Samuel, accused of blasphemy by Islamic extremists.
Jatau faced charges including inciting public disturbance, promoting contempt of religious beliefs, and cyberstalking. Although the prosecution concluded its case, delays in the trial ensued as the judge deferred court dates, prolonging the proceedings.
On October 16, amid observers including Jatau’s husband, Ya’u Adamu, the defense finally presented its no-case argument after multiple postponements.
Earlier, the court acknowledged Jatau’s social media video as offensive under the law, prompting her legal team to aim to justify her actions rather than initially arguing against the alleged offenses.
Her arrest and prolonged detention sparked international concerns, with the United Nations and organizations like Christian Solidarity International expressing worry.
Deborah, a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, tragically lost her life after advising against circulating religious materials on a WhatsApp page.