Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman who had been held in detention for 18 months following her condemnation of the alleged killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has finally regained her freedom.
This development comes as a result of interventions by prominent advocacy groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.
Sources close to the matter, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Jatau was released on bail on Friday, marking the end of a protracted legal battle. The involvement of influential advocacy groups played a pivotal role in securing her release, signaling the collective efforts of these organizations in championing justice and freedom of expression.
Jatau, a mother of five, had been in detention since May 2022 on charges of blasphemy, stemming from her act of sharing a video condemning the lynching of Samuel Deborah. Deborah, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, had met a tragic end after advising against disseminating religious materials on a WhatsApp page.
While specific details regarding the bail conditions and the court granting Jatau’s release were not disclosed by the source, it was emphasized that the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council played a crucial role in influencing the positive outcome.
The collaborative efforts of the Christian community, as represented by the Christian Association of Nigeria and Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, underscore the impact of advocacy and unity in championing the cause of justice.
The source stated, “Following the outcry from the Christian community in Nigeria over the continued detention of Rhoda Jatau in Bauchi Prison, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria have swiftly intervened in the matter.
We are pleased to report that Mrs. Rhoda has been granted bail and subsequently released from detention today.”
The announcement was accompanied by a call for continued prayers for Jatau, expressing optimism that the case would conclude with a positive resolution.
The collective efforts of advocacy groups and the Inter-Religious Council were acknowledged as instrumental in influencing the legal proceedings that led to Jatau’s release.
This development not only marks a victory for Rhoda Jatau but also highlights the significance of organized advocacy in safeguarding individuals’ rights and promoting justice in the face of legal challenges.
As Jatau embarks on the journey to reclaim her life, the role of advocacy groups in upholding the principles of freedom and justice remains a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
