After nearly six years behind bars without a verdict, former domestic staff of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan are crying out for justice over what they describe as unlawful detention, delayed trial, and inhumane treatment at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State.
The affected individuals — 15 in number — have remained in custody since 2019 after being accused of stealing jewellery, furniture, electronics, and conspiring to assassinate the former First Lady. Despite being arraigned at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, their trial has suffered no fewer than 40 adjournments.
They were charged with 18 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, burglary, and theft, with the stolen items allegedly worth over N200 million. One of the charges accused them of plotting to kill Mrs Jonathan in her hometown, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH from prison, two of the inmates decried their continued detention without concrete evidence or progress in court proceedings. “We have been in prison since 2019. The case isn’t progressing, and there’s no evidence. We were just arrested because we worked for her,” one of them said.
They also alleged maltreatment and torture, claiming their ordeal was being influenced by the former First Lady herself. “They beat us while she listened on the phone, instructing them to bring us to her hotel,” one inmate alleged.
Relatives of the detainees have joined in demanding urgent judicial intervention. Gladys Achese, whose sister is among those held, described the situation as “traumatising” and pleaded for fair trial and bail. “Let the court hear the matter and pronounce them guilty or not. They can’t be in prison for six years without justice,” she said.
Another family member, Steve Ibiene, lamented the impact of the incarceration on their family, accusing the justice system of negligence. “Every adjournment is because of the absence of a prosecutor or witnesses. If found guilty, fine — let them serve. But if not, release them.”
Multiple family members said Mrs Jonathan has not appeared in court since the trial began in 2019, further delaying proceedings. They believe her influence may be stalling justice.
One relative, Boma Hubert, said his brother was wrongly linked to a theft that occurred in Abuja while he was working in the former First Lady’s hotel in Otuoke. “This is unlawful detention. The judge once said the case could be struck out due to non-appearance by the complainant, but still, nothing has changed,” he said.
The families are now calling on the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and ensure a fair trial — or release — of the defendants.
As the legal limbo drags on, questions remain over access to justice for less privileged Nigerians and the dangers of prolonged pre-trial detention in a country where judicial delays are rife.
