Bauchi Woman, Rhoda Jatau, Released After 18 Months in Prison for Condemning Student's Killing.

 

Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman imprisoned for allegedly blasphemous remarks on a student's murder, has been released after 18 months. The Christian community, with support from CAN, NIREC, and CSW Nigeria, played a crucial role in securing her bail.

After enduring 18 months of imprisonment, Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman, has regained her freedom. The release followed her condemnation of the alleged killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State. 

Jatau, a mother of five, was detained in May 2022 on blasphemy charges after sharing a video denouncing the lynching of Deborah, a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

The Christian community, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW Nigeria), played a pivotal role in securing Jatau's release. The intervention, which included outcry and prayers, led to her being granted bail on Friday.

While details of the bail conditions and the court granting her release remain undisclosed, an anonymous source emphasized NIREC's significant involvement. 

The source expressed optimism that the case would conclude positively and urged continued prayers for Rhoda Jatau.

This development highlights the importance of collective efforts in advocating for justice and freedom, particularly in cases that involve sensitive issues such as blasphemy.