Bauchi State High Court Rejects No-Case Submission, Extends Legal Battle for Health Care Worker
Rhoda Jatau, a health care worker, remains confined in Bauchi Prison for over 18 months, as the Bauchi State High Court dismisses her no-case submission.
Jatau’s arrest in May 2022 by the Department of State Services (DSS) stemmed from sharing a video condemning the lynching of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student accused of blasphemy in Sokoto.
Facing charges of inciting public disturbance, “exciting contempt of religious creed,” and cyberstalking, Jatau’s defense presented the no-case argument on October 16 after multiple delays. The court’s Monday ruling supports the authorities’ right to pursue charges, despite scant evidence, raising questions about the fairness of the legal proceedings.
International concerns have surfaced, with the United Nations and Christian Solidarity International expressing worry over Jatau’s prolonged detention.
The repeated denial of bail has drawn criticism, emphasizing potential violations of her fundamental rights to freedom of expression, religion, and belief.
Jatau’s legal team aims to establish the justification for her actions in the face of mounting international scrutiny.