Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: December 19, 2020
Professor Tarfa, the co-founder of the Du Merci orphanages in Nigeria who has been detained since Christmas Day 2019, was released on bail on 10 December!
We’re so grateful to you for praying and campaigning for Professor Tarfa’s release.
Professor Tarfa was initially accused of operating an illegal orphanage. Then, once his wife produced documentation proving the orphanage was in fact registered, the charge was changed to ‘criminal abduction of minors’.
After repeated concerning delays in hearings for a review of the excessive bail stipulations, a High Court judge set new bail terms on 27 November 2020. The professor was finally able to meet these on 10 December and return home to his wife, Mercy.
But this battle is not yet won.
Seventeen children from the Du Merci orphanages remain in a government-run children’s home. They have not been allowed to attend school or church, have been abused verbally and physically, and pressurised to convert.
Let’s keep up the pressure
Let’s not stop now, but push on to secure a complete acquittal for Professor Tarfa, and the release of the remaining 17 children.
Through our ongoing advocacy we’ve seen the following:
The British High Commission in Abuja has raised Professor Tarfa's case with the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and the Kano State authorities.
The UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief raised the case at a senior level within Nigeria’s Federal Government.
The BBC corrected an erroneous article about the Tarfas.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief has written to several governments including Nigeria to request that religious or belief-based prisoners of conscience are released because of the threat that prison populations face due to COVID-19.
Advocacy, campaigning and prayer work. Thank you once again for your support throughout this year for all those who suffer for what they believe, and merry Christmas!
In summary, please pray:
- That all charges against Professor Tarfa are dropped.
- For the release of the 17 children from the Du Merci orphanages who remain in the government-run children’s home.