Deborah’s killing: After 18 months in prison, Rhoda Jatau regains freedom

Rhoda Jatau, a resident of Bauchi State who has been in prison for 18 months for condemning the killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has regained freedom.

Sources indicate that her release, which occurred late Friday, was facilitated by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, CSWN.

“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 intervened in the matter.

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“We are pleased to report that Ms. Rhoda Jatau has been granted bail and subsequently released from detention today (yesterday).

“We have high hopes that the case will end in praise. Let’s continue to keep her in our prayers. The leadership of NIREC played a key role. Praise be to our God,” the source said.

Jatau, a mother of five, was remanded since May 2022 on blasphemy charges for sharing on WhatsApp, a video condemning the brutal lynching of Deborah, a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto.

Jatau was charged under Sections 114 and 210 of the Penal Code Law, as well as Section 24 Subsection 1b(i) of the Cyber Crimes Act, accused of inciting public disturbance; exciting contempt of religious creed; and cyberstalking.

Although her bail conditions were not disclosed, it was gathered that the Inter-Religious Council played a vital role in securing Jatau’s release.

Recall that the prolonged detention of Jatau sparked an outcry from the Christian community in Nigeria, prompting action by CAN, NIREC, and CSWN.