Tanzanian social media personality Jennifer Jovin, popularly known as Niffer, has been released from custody after being held since October 27.
Niffer expressed gratitude for being reunited with her family and reflected on her experience in detention.
She also called attention to the conditions faced by incarcerated individuals, urging the public to extend charity not only to orphans but also to those in prison.
“I thank God for a beautiful day. Today, I have reunited with my family. It was not an easy journey, but we thank God for everything. I do not belong to any political party, and I am not involved in politics in any way. Even the actions that brought us here were just misunderstandings. Investigations have been completed, and President Samia Suluhu has forgiven us, making things easier. I want to thank everyone involved, especially my mother, family, and friends,” she said.
“Most of us, when we do charity, only go to orphans. We should also help those in jail provide Pampers, milk for their children, sanitary towels, and clothes. Let’s offer charity to them. Being in jail has taught me a lot; I have learned to give thanks and cherish freedom and peace. We often take freedom for granted. The value of freedom and peace is huge,” she added.
Reflecting on life in custody, Niffer described the restrictions and limited privacy.
“You can’t do anything in private; someone has to watch you every time. It is not a good life. When there is a misunderstanding outside prison, you just watch from a distance. But in prison, when misunderstandings happen, court dates and investigations stop, and you are caught in the middle,” she said.
On November 9, Niffer’s mother, Mwanaisha Isaac, publicly appealed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to forgive her daughter, who was facing treason-related charges.
In the appeal, Isaac expressed regret over her daughter’s alleged actions and asked for leniency from the Head of State.
“Shikamoo Mama Rais Samia Suluhu, my name is Mwanaisha Isaac, a resident of Bukoba. I am the mother of Jennifer Jovin, also known as Niffer. I beg for forgiveness on behalf of my daughter. I also did not like what she did, and I am asking for forgiveness on behalf of the entire family,” she said.
“My daughter is the breadwinner for the entire family. She loves you so much. We all depend on her, and we ask you to forgive her and forgive us,” she added.
According to court documents, Niffer faced a separate charge of conspiracy to commit treason.
Twenty-one other individuals were charged with treason in connection with allegations of destroying government property and infrastructure during unrest.
Her lawyer told the press, in videos seen by The Star, that Niffer was charged individually because she allegedly encouraged people to buy face masks to protect themselves from tear gas, an action the prosecution claims amounted to promoting resistance against state authorities.
While she was not accused of engaging in violence, authorities argued that her alleged actions contributed to mobilising resistance against security forces. These claims fall under the broad scope of Tanzanian treason law.
