15 Domestic Workers Continue Defence in Court Over Patience Jonathan’s Missing Jewellery After Six Years in Detention

Fifteen domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery belonging to former Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan, will return to the Bayelsa State High Court on Thursday and Friday to continue their defence in a case that has dragged on since 2019.

The defendants have been detained for six years at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa without a single conviction. Their arrest followed allegations of theft involving valuable jewellery from Mrs. Jonathan. The ongoing trial has sparked widespread criticism over prolonged detention, alleged human rights violations, and abuse of the judicial process.

A legal source close to the case told SaharaReporters that most of the accused are now ready to challenge the prosecution’s claims and expose contradictions in the evidence presented.

“They are going to court on Thursday and Friday. Most of them will prove how they were not connected to the allegations and will highlight flaws in the prosecution’s case,” the source said.

The court recently ordered an accelerated hearing in response to mounting public outrage and investigative reports that revealed claims of brutal torture and forced confessions allegedly orchestrated by officers acting under the influence of Mrs. Jonathan.

In previous court sessions, several defendants, including Vivian Golden, Vincent Olabiyi, and Emmanuel Aginwa, gave graphic testimonies describing how they were tortured by police officers to confess to crimes they insist they did not commit. Golden testified that she was moved between various police stations before being taken to the notorious Operation Puff Adder unit, where she was “hung and severely beaten.”

“The officers were reportedly paid by the complainant, Patience Jonathan, to extract confessions,” a courtroom source alleged.

Other defendants, including Tamunosiki Achese, also described similar treatment — from being suspended upside down to sustaining machete wounds — and identified senior officers involved, including O.C. Chris and C.S.O. Colin’s Otutu.

The accused individuals are:
Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Sahabi Lima, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson.

Sources close to the case allege that Mrs. Jonathan’s legal team — led by Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba — has used various tactics to stall the trial, including repeated adjournments, witness unavailability, and medical excuses.

“This case has been deliberately delayed to frustrate the defendants mentally and physically,” a court insider said. “It’s no longer about justice; it’s about punishment.”

Despite serious allegations of police brutality and rights violations, neither Mrs. Jonathan nor the officers implicated in the torture claims have been summoned by the court. The case continues to raise questions about judicial delays, abuse of power, and accountability in Nigeria’s justice system.