Several former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan are languishing in Bayelsa State’s Okaka Custodial Centre, decrying the ongoing mistreatment and the unrelenting delays in their trial, which has been adjourned more than 40 times since 2019.
The workers, who have been imprisoned for six years, were accused of stealing items worth N200 million from a property belonging to Patience Jonathan. The items included jewellery, air conditioners, upholstery chairs, and flat-screen televisions. The defendants are facing multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery.
One detainee, speaking exclusively to Saturday PUNCH, shared their frustration: “We have been in prison since 2019. We were domestic staff for the former first lady. The case has not progressed, and there is no evidence against us. We are just waiting endlessly, and our lives are on hold.”
Another inmate expressed concern for their safety, stating, “They are threatening us. They want to kill us. When I was at the station, they tortured us and said they would hang us. It’s been brutal, and we feel abandoned.”
The families of the detainees are also pleading for justice. Gladys Achese, the sister of one defendant, described the emotional toll: “Every time I visit my sister, I cry. This is not right. My parents have been traveling back and forth since 2019, and there has been no progress. We want a fair trial.”
Legal advocates are voicing concerns about the prolonged trial. Funmi Adedoyin, a representative from the human rights organization Tech4Justice, noted that the delays have been exacerbated by frequent adjournments and absent prosecutors.
“This case has been delayed due to multiple adjournments and the unavailability of police prosecutors. It seems like the judiciary is under undue influence.”
Despite the severity of the charges, the former first lady has not appeared in court since the case began. Family members and human rights groups are calling for her appearance and a swift resolution of the case.
One relative, Boma Hubert, questioned the legal system: “She has never appeared in court, and the case has been delayed multiple times. Why are they still in prison if they haven’t been tried?”
As the detainees continue to wait for their day in court, there is mounting pressure for justice to be served after years of uncertainty and hardship.
