From Evangelical Focus. (Photo credit: First Step Forum)
The First Step Forum (FSF) presented the 2026 Shahbaz Bhatti Freedom Award to Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother of five from Nigeria, in recognition of her extraordinary courage and endurance after being imprisoned on blasphemy charges for sharing a video condemning mob violence.
Each year, the Forum honours an individual who has shown unwavering commitment to defending freedom of religion or belief and other human rights. The award is named for Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s first Christian federal minister, who was assassinated in March 2011 after criticizing his country’s blasphemy laws.
“Today, we gather to honour a woman who embodies that exact spirit of fearless advocacy, quiet strength, and incredible faith,” said Marc Jost, executive director of FSF, in presenting the award to Jatau at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
“Rhoda, you did not ask to be a hero,” he said. “You simply wanted to be a faithful mother, a neighbour, and a person of conscience. But when darkness demanded silence, your courage spoke volumes. You endured unjust imprisonment so that others might live free from fear.”
A story that moved the world
In May 2022, Deborah Yakubu, a young Christian university student in Nigeria, was murdered by a mob following allegations of blasphemy. Jatau allegedly shared a video on WhatsApp condemning the killing.
She was arrested and charged under blasphemy laws, along with cybercrime and religious disturbance, and faced up to five years in prison if convicted.
Jatau spent 19 months in prison, separated from her husband and five children. For long periods she was denied regular access to her family and legal counsel. She was granted bail in December 2023, and her trial continued for another year. On December 10, 2024, a judge in Bauchi State fully acquitted her of all charges.