Bauchi, Nigeria – Rhoda Jatau, a Nigerian Christian mother of five, has been fully acquitted after enduring 19 months of imprisonment on charges related to blasphemy. Her case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws in Nigeria, particularly in regions governed by Sharia Law.
Jatau’s ordeal began in May 2022 when she was accused of sharing a video on a WhatsApp group that criticized the brutal murder of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Christian student who was stoned to death by her Muslim classmates in the northern part of Nigeria. Following the circulation of the video, a mob attacked Jatau’s neighborhood, prompting her arrest. She was charged under the Bauchi State Penal Code for “public disturbance” and “religious insult.”
Despite the gravity of these charges, Jatau spent nearly two years in prison before being granted bail in December 2023. She was only recently acquitted by a Bauchi State judge after a protracted legal battle. Speaking about her experience, Jatau shared the emotional toll her imprisonment took on her: “It was not easy, because I have missed my children,” she said. “I was not allowed any visitors, except my lawyer.”
Jatau’s acquittal comes at a time when blasphemy laws in Nigeria remain a contentious issue, particularly in the northern states where Sharia Law is enforced. These laws have been used to criminalize religious expression, often targeting Christians and other religious minorities. Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians, with reports indicating that more Christians are killed in Nigeria than in any other nation globally. In recent years, the use of blasphemy charges has increased, and several high-profile cases have sparked international outcry.
Among the most notable cases is that of Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian atheist who was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2021 under blasphemy laws for his social media posts critical of Islam. The case drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, highlighting the growing concerns over the stifling of free expression and religious persecution in the country.
Blasphemy laws in Nigeria are seen by many as a tool of religious oppression, used to silence dissent and perpetuate violence against religious minorities. ADF International, which supported Jatau’s legal defense, emphasized that no one should be punished for peaceful expression, calling the acquittal a victory for religious freedom.
“We are thankful to God for Rhoda’s full acquittal and an end to the ordeal she has endured for far too long,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International. “No person should be punished for peaceful expression, and we are grateful that Rhoda Jatau has been fully acquitted. But Rhoda should never have been arrested in the first place.”
Jatau’s case has drawn international attention, with human rights and religious freedom advocacy groups urging a re-examination of Nigeria’s blasphemy laws. The support for Jatau from legal organizations such as ADF International highlights the global concern over religious persecution in Nigeria.
A Nigerian lawyer, who served as lead counsel in Jatau’s case, stated, “After a two-and-a-half-year ordeal, including 19 long months in prison, we are happy that Rhoda has finally been acquitted. We thank all who have been praying for Rhoda, and we ask for your continued prayers as Nigerians continue to push back against persecution.”
Despite the acquittal, the broader issue of blasphemy laws in Nigeria persists, with many advocates calling for reform. Bauchi State, where Jatau was imprisoned, is predominantly Muslim, and is one of twelve states in northern Nigeria that have adopted Sharia Law. These laws, critics argue, contribute to a hostile environment for religious minorities, especially Christians, who face increasing threats and violence.
ADF International has referred to Nigeria as “the most dangerous country in the world for Christians.” According to the organization, more Christians are killed in Nigeria than in any other country combined. The widespread use of blasphemy charges as a means of suppressing religious expression has become a significant concern for religious freedom advocates, who argue that such laws exacerbate religious intolerance and violence.
Jatau’s acquittal, while a significant legal victory, is just one step in the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with religious persecution, advocacy groups are calling for stronger protections for religious minorities and a reevaluation of blasphemy laws that have been used to justify violence and discrimination.
Rhoda Jatau’s case is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. While her acquittal is a hopeful development, the broader issues of religious persecution and blasphemy laws remain pressing concerns. As international support grows, the call for justice and religious freedom continues to echo across the globe.
