Following interventions by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, Rhoda Jatau, who had been held in Bauchi Prison on charges of blasphemy, has been granted bail and released from detention.
For sharing a message among her co-workers that criticised a mob action in May 2022, Jatau has spent the last year in police detention on charges of blasphemy towards Islam.
The healthcare administrator with the Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State was arrested a few days after forwarding a video condemning the burning to death of Deborah Yakubu, a student of the College of Education, Sokoto, another state, over alleged blasphemy.
Prosecutors allege that by sharing the video, Jatau, then 45, committed multiple offences of inciting disturbance, contempt” for religious creed, and cyberstalking.
“We are pleased to report that Ms. Rhoda Jatau has been granted bail and subsequently released from detention today (Friday).
“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,” a source said.
Recall that Jatau was arrested on May 20, 2022, by authorities in Bauchi State after she sent a message via WhatsApp.
This incident reportedly came in response to the murder of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, who was killed in an instance of mob violence over a similar accusation.
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.
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