Rhoda Jatau Released After 18 Months in Bauchi Prison for Condemning Deborah Samuel’s Murder

Rhoda Jatau, a healthcare worker from Bauchi State, Nigeria, has been released from prison after enduring 18 months of incarceration. Jatau’s arrest stemmed from her condemnation of the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State, as revealed in a video she shared.

The release comes in the wake of persistent efforts by human rights activists, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria. These entities played a pivotal role in securing Jatau’s bail, marking a triumph for advocates of justice.

“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,” confirmed an official on Friday.

Jatau had faced charges of inciting public disturbance, “exciting contempt of religious creed,” and cyberstalking. Her arrest in May 2022 by the Department of State Services (DSS) came after she shared a video condemning the lynching of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student accused of blasphemy in Sokoto.

Despite the prosecution concluding its case, the defense’s attempts to present a no-case argument faced delays, extending the trial’s timeline. Jatau’s husband, Ya’u Adamu, and other observers witnessed the eventual submission on October 16. The court had previously deemed Jatau’s sharing of the video as offensive, and her legal team now seeks to justify her actions.

International concern over Jatau’s arrest and prolonged detention was evident, with the United Nations and organizations like Christian Solidarity International expressing worry. They argued that her incarceration violated fundamental rights to freedom of expression, religion, or belief.

Of particular concern was the repeated denial of bail to Jatau. The United Nations and CSI emphasized that such denial not only restricted her freedom but also raised questions about the fairness and proportionality of the legal measures against her.

Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, tragically lost her life after advising against sharing religious materials on a WhatsApp page, a stark reminder of the consequences of religious tensions in the region.