Fifteen former domestic workers of Nigeria’s ex-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, have cried out from Bayelsa’s Okaka Custodial Centre, claiming they are being maltreated, forgotten, and denied justice—six years after they were arrested without any evidence being presented in court.
The workers, who served in different properties owned by the former First Lady, say they were thrown into prison in 2019 following a reported burglary at one of her apartments in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. Despite not working in that particular building, they allege they were all rounded up, detained, and charged with shocking offences—including conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery—just to keep them locked up.
The items reportedly stolen include gold jewellery, Samsung TVs and air conditioners, and sofas—said to be worth ₦200 million. But some of the charges also claim that they “conspired to kill Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan,” a claim that has been widely criticised by their families and human rights groups as a ploy to keep them detained without bail.
“We were not even in the building. There is no evidence. We have been locked up since 2019 and nothing is moving,” one of the detainees told Saturday PUNCH.
Another former worker claimed they were beaten and tortured while the ex-First Lady allegedly listened on the phone and demanded even harsher treatment.
“She told them to bring us to her hotel and house for more beating,” the inmate said. “We’re suffering. They want to kill us here.”
Families Devastated, Call for Government Intervention
Relatives of the detainees say they are heartbroken and exhausted from years of travelling between Bayelsa and Port Harcourt just to catch a glimpse of their loved ones in prison.
Gladys Achese, whose sister Tamunosiki is one of those locked up, said her parents had even gone to beg Mrs Jonathan personally, but nothing came of it.
“We’re not even saying she’s innocent or guilty—just that she deserves a fair trial,” Gladys said, tearfully.
Steve Ibiene, the brother of another detainee, asked a painful question:
“If the court later finds them innocent, who will give them back the six years they’ve lost?”
Another family member revealed that one of the women in custody lost her child while in prison and was not allowed to attend the burial.
40 Adjournments, No Trial, No Progress
Legal representatives and human rights group Tech4Justice say the case has suffered over 40 adjournments. The judiciary has allegedly been under pressure due to the political influence of the complainant.
Funmi Adedoyin, a legal associate for the group, revealed that securing bail has been nearly impossible—not because of the theft charges, but because the police suddenly added a conspiracy-to-kill charge, which isn’t bailable.
“It was a setup. The police knew theft was bailable, so they added attempted murder. Yet there’s zero evidence. These young people have been abandoned,” she said.
She explained that police prosecutors often miss court dates, many have been transferred out of state, and no witnesses have shown up to prove the allegations.
Three of the accused have been granted bail on health grounds, including one with tuberculosis.
“The justice system has failed them,” Adedoyin said.
Where is Dame Patience Jonathan?
Families and rights advocates say Mrs Jonathan has never appeared in court since 2019, despite being the main complainant. They accuse her of using influence to stall the trial.
“She has refused to show up, yet her accusations are what landed them in prison,” said Boma Hubert, whose brother Reginald was also detained.
Multiple attempts to get a response from the former First Lady’s camp were unsuccessful. Her media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, did not return calls or messages.
Now, the detainees and their loved ones are pleading with the Attorney General, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa, and the National Human Rights Commission to step in and end this prolonged injustice.
“If they are guilty, let the court convict them. If not, release them. This is not justice. This is wickedness,” said Offor Cosmos, father of another detainee.