Rhoda Jatau, who was arrested on May 20, 2022, by authorities in Bauchi State following a message she sent via WhatsApp in response to the murder of late Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, has been released from Prison after spending 18 months.
Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu was killed in Sokoto in an instance of mob violence over a similar accusation.
in Sokoto 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 and was accused of inciting public disturbance, exciting contempt of religious creed and cyberstalking.
The release of Rhoda on Friday, December 8, 2023 following spirited interventions by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.
Rhoda Jatau had been held in Bauchi Prison on charges of blasphemy.
It was gathered that NIREC played a major role in her release thereby highlighting the importance of the Inter-Religious Council in such matters.
The intervention of NIREC and CAN followed public outcry from the Christian community in Nigeria over the continued detention of Rhoda Jatau in Bauchi Prison.
A source with NIREC said; “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,” it said.