How Patience Jonathan Has Kept 15 Domestic Workers in Prison Since 2019 Over Missing Jewellery

Former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan has reportedly kept 15 of her domestic workers imprisoned in Bayelsa State’s Okaka Correctional Centre since 2019 over allegations of jewelry theft, despite no court conviction. Their trial has been repeatedly delayed, allegedly due to her influence, raising concerns over a blatant violation of their constitutional rights.

Sources familiar with the case revealed that the detained workers have been held without a fair trial, with the judicial process deliberately stalled. A legal aid group, TECH4JUSTICE, has been providing legal services for the detainees, but progress has been obstructed. A source claimed that the current Chief Judge, allegedly acting under Jonathan’s influence, has been deliberately prolonging the case.

Relatives of the detained workers have also spoken out, expressing frustration over the prolonged incarceration. One family member stated that in 2019, following a break-in at one of Jonathan’s apartments in Otuoke, she had all her domestic workers arrested, despite them not being assigned to that residence at the time. Since then, the case has remained stagnant, with no substantial evidence presented in court.

The detained individuals, identified as Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Saabi Liman, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Williams Alami, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Waribobo, Salomi Reginald, Sunday Boma, Oba Golden, and Vivian, have been charged with armed robbery, malicious damage, attempted murder, and theft. However, sources insist that there is no credible evidence to support these charges.

Legal experts argue that the continued imprisonment of the workers violates Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on the presumption of innocence and the right to personal liberty. Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution states that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, while Section 35 guarantees the right to personal liberty and prohibits detention beyond a reasonable period without trial.

Despite multiple court appearances, the case remains unresolved, allegedly due to interference from the former First Lady. Patience Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2010 to 2015 and as Second Lady from 2007 to 2010, continues to wield significant influence. Concerns are growing over the workers’ fate as legal delays persist without any resolution in sight.