NIGERIA — October 25, 2026
Rhoda Jatau, a Nigerian Christian mother of five who spent more than 19 months in detention following a blasphemy-related prosecution, has received the Shahbaz Bhatti Freedom Award in recognition of her commitment to religious freedom and human rights.
The award was presented by First Step Forum on Friday, October 23, according to a report published by The Christian Post on October 25. ADF International, a legal advocacy organisation, nominated her for the recognition.
Jatau was arrested in Bauchi State in May 2022 after unrest linked to a WhatsApp message reportedly condemning the mob killing of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a Christian student who had been accused of blasphemy. She was released on bail in December 2023 and acquitted in December 2024.
The award is named after Shahbaz Bhatti, a Pakistani Christian politician who was assassinated in 2011 because of his opposition to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Jatau’s case has renewed calls to protect freedom of expression and religious minorities.
