Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi State woman imprisoned for 18 months for condemning the alleged killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has finally regained her freedom.
WikkiTimes has learnt that Jatau was released on bail last Friday as a result of the interventions by influential entities such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN).
Jatau, a mother of five, had been detained since May 2022 on blasphemy charges for sharing a video denouncing the brutal lynching of 200-level student Deborah from Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.
Deborah met a tragic end after advising against sharing religious materials on a WhatsApp page.
While a source did not disclose specific bail conditions or the court responsible for granting Jatau’s release, it emphasised the crucial role played by the Inter-Religious Council in securing her freedom.
The Christian community’s outcry in Nigeria over Jatau’s prolonged detention prompted swift action by CAN, NIREC and the CSWN.
The source stated, “Following the outcry, 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.”
