The Bayelsa State High Court has YESTERDAY ordered a fast-tracked trial of 15 domestic staff of the former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan, who have been in custody since 2019 for allegedly stealing her jewellery.
The former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife reportedly detained over 15 domestic workers who were linked to her missing jewellery, and has allegedly frustrated their trials in court, which has kept them in detention at the Okaka Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, for over six years without being convicted.
The outcome of the Bayelsa State High Court proceedings of yesterday, 17th April 2025, suggests that the court is ready to shun every unnecessary procrastination and other factors inhibiting the fair trials of the accused persons.
“The court proceeded well today, and both parties have agreed to finish the case as soon as possible, with an accelerated hearing. So victory is coming,” a source close to the defence revealed to the Press.
The affected persons are Williams Alami, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, Sahabi Lima, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, and Emeka Benson.
A source close to the defence claimed their continued detention and incessant court delay in properly trialling them is masterminded by Patience Jonathan’s private legal team, who are allegedly adhering strictly to their client’s instruction.
The aim is to frustrate the process and keep these innocent people in prison as long as possible. It’s an abuse of the legal system,” a source close to the courtroom said.
However, the Bayelsa State High Court has distanced itself from allegations of being involved in the alleged intentional delay and restated its commitment to uphold the integrity of the legal system.
