Rhoda Jatau a Bauchi based health care worker has been granted bail after spending 18 months in detention for daring to protest the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto who was stoned to death by islamic fanatics.
Jatau rejoined her family Friday after she was released on bail following intervention by human rights activists, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.
“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 uphold her in our prayers. The leadership of NIREC played a key role. Praise be to our God”, an official confirmed on Friday.
Jatau was arrested by agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) in May 2022. She had shared a video, which condemned the lynching of Deborah Samuel, who was accused of blasphemy by Islamic fanatics in Sokoto. Jatau was charged with inciting public disturbance, “exciting contempt of religious creed,” and cyberstalking.
While the prosecution hurriedly closed its case, the court repeatedly stalled Jatau’s defence from presenting her own case. The United Nations and CSI underscore that the denial of bail not only restricts her freedom but also raises questions about the fairness and proportionality of the legal measures taken against her.
However, the court heard her case on October 16 at a hearing witnessed by Jatau’s husband, Ya’u Adamu, and other observers.
“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,” said her husband
