The Bauchi State High Court has thrown out the no-case submission of a health care worker, Rhoda Jatau after her already harrowing 18 months incarceration.

Recall that Jatau was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in May 2022 after she shared a video that condemned the lynching of the Christian female student of Sokoto College, Deborah Samuel, accused of blasphemy by Islamic fanatics in Sokoto. Jatau is facing charges of inciting public disturbance, “exciting contempt of religious creed,” and cyberstalking.

The prosecution had since closed its case but the defence’s attempt to present its no-case argument was repeatedly stalled as the presiding judge defers court dates and the trial experiences a prolonged timeline.

The submission was eventually made on October 16 at a hearing witnessed by Jatau’s husband, Ya’u Adamu, and other observers. People’s Gazette reports that the court’s ruling on Monday against the no case submission meant that the court affirms the legal standing of the authorities to argue the charges brought against her even though it is substantiated with scant evidence.

The court had earlier admitted the interpretation of Jatau sharing of a social media video as offensive to extant laws and her lawyers would now work to prove that her action was justified rather than the initial stance that her action did not constitute the offences alleged.

Her arrest and prolonged detention have raised international concerns with the United Nations and organisations such as Christian Solidarity International expressing worry. They contend that Jatau’s incarceration represents an infringement on her fundamental rights to freedom of expression, religion or belief. Of concern is the repeated denial of bail to Jatau.

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.

The Federal Government has been urged to drop all charges against Rhoda Jatau, facilitate her immediate release, and reassess laws that are misused to stifle freedom of expression and manipulate the persecution of innocent individuals. These were the demands of over 500 women rights’ groups united under the aegis of Womanifesto, at a meeting with newsmen in Lagos, yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn5G69IIqfc?si=Qcz5QUBRmwOJKtSS

Describing Jatau’s prolonged detention as an infringement on her fundamental rights, the coalition also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate resources to enable the conduction of a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, and hold the Commissioner of Police and the Ministry of Justice in Sokoto State accountable for pursuing justice on behalf of the state and the family of Yakubu.

Recall that Jatau, a 45-year-old Christian mother of five, was, on 20th of May 2022, arrested and incarcerated for forwarding a WhatsApp message condemning the murder of Deborah Yakubu; a second-year Christian college student killed by a mob of Muslim students in Sokoto, after being accused of blasphemy against Islam.

According to Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi,Co-Convener, Womenifesto, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, while Mrs Jatau faces baseless charges of inciting public disturbance and insulting religious creed, the mob that lynched Yakubu, recorded the crime and circulated the video on various social media platforms, are allowed to roam the streets of Nigeria free.

“It shows the unequal application of the law in Northern Nigeria and further contributes to tensions and distrust between Muslims and Christians living in Nigeria,” she fumed.  She went on: “Rhoda’s trial has also been marred with several irregularities, including baseless adjournments and postponements— at least five scheduled court hearings have failed to occur since March 2023.

“On the 27th of November, 2023, the High Court in Bauchi State rejected an application for a “no-case submission” by Rhoda’s Lawyers. Mrs Jatau has been denied bail despite having no criminal history and not being identified as a flight risk. Her husband and five children have had to go into hiding due to threats on their lives.

“All these point to a systemic failure of the Nigerian government to protect Yakubu or pursue justice for her murder and protect the voices of Christian minorities in Northern Nigeria in times of crisis. “Condemning public lynching or calling on the government to prosecute offenders should never be a crime, and the Nigerian state should immediately seek to rectify this miscarriage of justice. 

“The state is currently detaining Mrs Jatau despite the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The flagrant disregard of the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression enshrined both in the constitution and in various international and regional treaties for which Nigeria is a signatory, as well as the abuse of human rights, judicial processes, and failure of state protection, must be addressed to correct this wrong immediately. 

“The continued detention of Mrs Jatau not only infringes upon her fundamental rights but also sends a chilling message to others – especially Christians – who express dissent or speak out against injustice, especially those related to mob actions suffered at the hands of Muslim men. This sets a dangerous precedent and erodes the foundations of a just and democratic society.”

The women also emphasised the need for the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice and victims receive the support they need. They, also, reiterated the need to foster community educational outreach initiatives to raise religious and cultural tolerance awareness.

"....Recall that Jatau, a 45-year-old Christian mother of five, was, on 20th of May 2022, arrested and incarcerated for forwarding a WhatsApp message condemning the murder of Deborah Yakubu; a second-year Christian college student killed by a mob of Muslim students in Sokoto, after being accused of blasphemy against Islam.

While Mrs Jatau faces baseless charges of inciting public disturbance and insulting religious creed, the mob that lynched Yakubu, recorded the crime and circulated the video on various social media platforms, are allowed to roam the streets of Nigeria free.

God1000:
This is completely unacceptable.

What kind of country do we live in, this innocent woman is suffering in prison while the barbarians and monsters that killed Ms Deborah have not been brought to book.

I am very angry right now

I don't know why the Bauchi state government and the federal government of Nigeria are just keeping mute on this ugly issue.

Racoon:
So much injustice in the world especially in Nigeria here. One of the ill of the muslim muslim ticket. A muslim will rarely be arrested for any incitement of violence.

Gandollar and Islamic cleric said "the muslim muslim ticket shows the superiority of Islam" but today he is the APC chairman. Ahmed Gumi said Wike - an infidel can't be governor of Abuja because "Christians can never be trusted to protect Muslims.".

A fanatic Islamic terrorist expelled from the nation of India visited Nigerian Air Force base in Abuja even snapping pictures with airmen and tagging it "Muslim Air Force" No arrest or any condemnation have been issued by any Nigerian government official or agencies.

But Nigeria christain soldiers who were speakers in their faith - based conference were arrested and court mashalled. What really is wrong with this nation with this Selective justice mentality? What a country!

Imagine this injustice occurred a long time ago but have been under reported. What have the christain proponents of the muslim muslim ticket like Simon Lalong, Femi Fani-Kayode, done to save a sister? Absolutely none. When it is said adherents of this cult are terrorists, they will be calling us names.

How will the heart of an average person not be hardened when the fanatic killer terrorist always is always shielded to escapes justice while the victim continued to be oppressed and threatened by the collaborating terrorists I'm government.