By Ejiofor Toochi
In May 2022, a Christian health worker Rhoda Ya’u Jatau was arrested in Bauchi state for blasphemy after sharing a video defending a lynched Christian student.
Recall that Deborah Yakubu, a university student, was falsely accused of blaspheming Islam and tragically lynched by religious extremists in Sokoto state. This incident garnered condemnation from many, including Jatau, who expressed her disapproval through a WhatsApp message to her colleagues.
Unfortunately, Jatau herself was then accused of blasphemy by Muslims who saw the message, leading to her arrest by the State Security Service. She has been charged with offenses under Islamic Sharia law, which include “inciting public disturbance, exciting contempt of religious creed, and cyber stalking.”
READ ALSO: Man whose hand was ditched by Tacha in viral video demands public apology from reality star
In a recent development, on Monday, November 27th, Jatau’s legal attempt to have the case against her dismissed was unsuccessful. The High Court in Bauchi ruled in favor of the prosecution, concluding that she has a case to answer. This outcome presents a challenging situation as she continues to navigate through the legal proceedings.
Since her arrest in 2022, she has faced challenges in obtaining bail and has had limited access to legal counsel, with court appearances being the only opportunity to see her family.
Jatau has been incarcerated for approximately 18 months, equivalent to around 500 days, as she awaits trial under Sharia Law. Many Nigerians, including celebrities are clamoring for her release. They have urged for the intervention of the Bauchi State government, as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Reactions: “Release Rhoda Jatau”
@mrmacaronii: Deborah a Nigerian was lynched to death… Rhoda, another Nigerian condemned the killing. Instead of bringing the murderers of Deborah to justice, security agents arrested Rhoda and left her to languish in Prison for over 500 days and counting! Unbelievable!!!
@oluremi_x: It’s not okay that a Christian woman is being detained for years because she shared a video about the killing of Deborah whose murderers are free. This situation really breaks my heart and k can only hope for justice #RhodaJatau
@brandybride_: No one should be jailed for speaking their truth. Free #RhodaJatau
@FS Yusuf: RhodaJatau has been in prison for 18 months without trail in Bauchi because she condemned the killing of Deborah in Sokoto. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND HIGHLY CONDEMNABLE!!!201,057
@AdepojuSamuelA: If #RhodaJatau can be kept in confinement over speaking against murder, then we don’t have a country. Why is Sharia law even allowed in our society when it’s not a Muslim country. She should be given freedom as soon as possible. The IG of @PoliceNG needs to also do something.
@ByHimILive: We’re a crazy society. Look how these people are damaging our country’s image, later they’ll say it’s Twitter people.How can a court in Nigeria hold unto a woman who complained about the unlawful killing of a law abiding citizen, while the killers are free? Madness
READ ALSO: Don’t apologize to the Muslims: Wole Soyinka advises Davido
Recommended posts:
Presidential Tribunal: What do we know about the five Justices deciding our fate today?
Delete the video immediately: Davido receives backlash over new signee music video
Eid-el-Fitr: Muslims end month-long Ramadan fast
“He has to apologize” – Muslims fire back at Wole Soyinka who told Davido not to apologize for music video
