Jatau Regains Freedom after 18 Months in Detention

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

After 18 months in prison, Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman who condemned the alleged killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has regained her freedom.

 Jatau, a mother of five, who condemned the murder, was detained since May 2022 on the grounds of blasphemy, for sharing a video condemning the lynching of Deborah.

Deborah, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was brutally murdered after advising against sending religious materials on a WhatsApp page.

A reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity said Jatau was released on bail on Friday following interventions by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.

Confirming her release, Rhoda’s husband, Ya’u Jatau, expressed joy over the release of his wife.

The source, however, did not reveal bail conditions or which court granted Jatau bail but noted that the Inter-Religious Council had played “a key role” in securing her bail and release.

“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. 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”, he reportedly said.

Speaking in a telephone conversation with journalists yesterday morning, Ya’u said he could not express his level of joy over the release of his wife.

He said: “I feel very, very happy that my wife has been released and is back home. I cannot thank God enough. I want to thank everyone who made this happen. That is all I can say at the moment.”