Blasphemy: Bauchi Woman Released After 19 Months In Prison

Blasphemy: Bauchi Woman Released After 19 Months In Prison

After spending nearly two years in detention in Bauchi state for allegedly blaspheming, Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman who spoke out against the reported killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has been released.

She was granted bail on Friday and has been reunited with her family, thanks to interventions from civil society organizations, family members, and religious bodies.

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Her husband, confirming her bail, has chosen not to comment on the matter and has currently restricted journalists’ access to her.

Reports indicate that her lawyer, Joseph Danboyi, filed a bail application that was heard and granted by Justice Fatima Jibrin of a high court in Bauchi.

Upon her release, Rhoda reportedly left Bauchi for Gombe State.

International rights group, Peace Building and Social Justice, shared on its platform, “Jatau has been held in prison for 19 months for condemning the murder of a young schoolgirl Deborah Samuel over alleged blasphemy. She is a Christian and a mother of five.”

The group added, “Rhoda’s next hearing is still scheduled for the 19th of December 2023; we need to raise our voices and demand her unconditional release.”

Prior to her release, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development in Bauchi stated in a release that Jatau was apprehended on May 20, 2022, at her residence by the Nigerian Police Force on charges of alleged incitement and inciting public disturbance. She had been denied bail on multiple occasions, according to CITAD.

“The Police action was based on their perception of what her message could do. However, immediately after sharing the post, she was arrested and taken into custody.

“Her bail was consistently denied, and she has been held behind bars ever since. This is not just an injustice to Rhoda; it is an attack on the digital rights of every citizen in this country,” it stated.