Families of Domestic Workers Detained Since 2019 Over Alleged Patience Jonathan Jewellery Theft Slam Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year Message, Demand Immediate Release or Speedy Trial
Families of domestic workers detained since 2019 over an alleged jewellery theft involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerian leaders, describing it as hypocritical and insensitive. The families accused Jonathan of calling for people-centred leadership while remaining silent over the prolonged detention of workers linked to his household, who have been held in custody for more than five years without bail.
Speaking on behalf of the families, a relative of one of the detainees said Jonathan’s appeal for leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare rang hollow while the accused domestic workers continue to languish in prison amid repeated court delays. The families urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring either the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their long-running trial.
The families lamented the slow pace of the case, noting that while the detainees are reportedly in good health, the prolonged detention has caused severe emotional and economic hardship. They expressed hope that the case would be concluded early in 2026, stressing that justice delayed continues to punish innocent families.
Their reaction followed Jonathan’s New Year message in which he acknowledged Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity, urged leaders to adopt people-oriented governance, and called for leadership anchored on humility, integrity and service to the people.
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from Mrs. Jonathan’s residence. The defendants, who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since 2019, have consistently told the court that they were abducted, tortured and forced to make confessions. Some have named security personnel allegedly involved in their abuse, including claims of suspension, whipping and coercion.
Despite repeated allegations of torture and police brutality linked to the case, no security operative has been investigated or charged, further fuelling public criticism and calls for justice, accountability and the release of the detained workers.
Families of domestic workers detained since 2019 over an alleged jewellery theft involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerian leaders, describing it as hypocritical and insensitive. The families accused Jonathan of calling for people-centred leadership while remaining silent over the prolonged detention of workers linked to his household, who have been held in custody for more than five years without bail.
Speaking on behalf of the families, a relative of one of the detainees said Jonathan’s appeal for leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare rang hollow while the accused domestic workers continue to languish in prison amid repeated court delays. The families urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring either the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their long-running trial.
The families lamented the slow pace of the case, noting that while the detainees are reportedly in good health, the prolonged detention has caused severe emotional and economic hardship. They expressed hope that the case would be concluded early in 2026, stressing that justice delayed continues to punish innocent families.
Their reaction followed Jonathan’s New Year message in which he acknowledged Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity, urged leaders to adopt people-oriented governance, and called for leadership anchored on humility, integrity and service to the people.
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from Mrs. Jonathan’s residence. The defendants, who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since 2019, have consistently told the court that they were abducted, tortured and forced to make confessions. Some have named security personnel allegedly involved in their abuse, including claims of suspension, whipping and coercion.
Despite repeated allegations of torture and police brutality linked to the case, no security operative has been investigated or charged, further fuelling public criticism and calls for justice, accountability and the release of the detained workers.
Families of Domestic Workers Detained Since 2019 Over Alleged Patience Jonathan Jewellery Theft Slam Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year Message, Demand Immediate Release or Speedy Trial
Families of domestic workers detained since 2019 over an alleged jewellery theft involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerian leaders, describing it as hypocritical and insensitive. The families accused Jonathan of calling for people-centred leadership while remaining silent over the prolonged detention of workers linked to his household, who have been held in custody for more than five years without bail.
Speaking on behalf of the families, a relative of one of the detainees said Jonathan’s appeal for leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare rang hollow while the accused domestic workers continue to languish in prison amid repeated court delays. The families urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring either the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their long-running trial.
The families lamented the slow pace of the case, noting that while the detainees are reportedly in good health, the prolonged detention has caused severe emotional and economic hardship. They expressed hope that the case would be concluded early in 2026, stressing that justice delayed continues to punish innocent families.
Their reaction followed Jonathan’s New Year message in which he acknowledged Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity, urged leaders to adopt people-oriented governance, and called for leadership anchored on humility, integrity and service to the people.
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from Mrs. Jonathan’s residence. The defendants, who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since 2019, have consistently told the court that they were abducted, tortured and forced to make confessions. Some have named security personnel allegedly involved in their abuse, including claims of suspension, whipping and coercion.
Despite repeated allegations of torture and police brutality linked to the case, no security operative has been investigated or charged, further fuelling public criticism and calls for justice, accountability and the release of the detained workers.
