by, springnewsng media limited April 3,2025

In an unprecedented abuse of power, former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan has kept 15 of her domestic workers imprisoned at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019 over an unproven case of robbery. The detention of these workers stands in blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, particularly the presumption of innocence.

Sources close to the case have revealed that these workers have languished behind bars for over five years without a court conviction. Despite the lack of any substantial evidence linking them to the alleged crime, their trial has been repeatedly stalled, reportedly at the behest of the influential ex-First Lady.

“It’s been years now, and these workers are still incarcerated with no legal resolution in sight. Patience Jonathan has effectively kept them in limbo because of an accusation that has not been proven in court,” one source said.

The workers were originally arrested following a break-in at one of Patience Jonathan’s apartments in Otuoke in 2019. While none of the detained workers were present at the scene, Patience Jonathan decided to have all of her domestic staff arrested. They have since been charged with a range of offenses, including armed robbery, malicious damage, attempted murder, and theft, but no evidence has been presented to back these claims.

A relative of one of the detained workers shared their frustration: “These people are still in Okaka Prison. They have been there since 2019, with no trial, no conviction, and no justice. The case is still dragging because they keep saying they are waiting for witnesses. How can they be waiting for witnesses for this long?”

The detained workers include Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Saabi Liman, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Williams Alami, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Waribobo, Salomi Reginald, Sunday Boma, Oba Golden, and Vivian.

A significant concern is that their detention violates the constitutional rights of the workers, specifically their right to a fair trial. According to Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, every person accused of a criminal offense must be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Section 35 guarantees the right to personal liberty and protection from unlawful detention.

Despite efforts from organizations such as TECH4JUSTICE, which has been providing legal support to the detained workers, the trial has been deliberately delayed by the current Chief Judge, who is alleged to be acting under Patience Jonathan’s influence.

The continuous detention of the workers without trial or evidence is a stark reminder of the unchecked power and influence that certain individuals wield in Nigeria, even long after their official positions have ended. This case serves as a troubling example of how justice can be hindered by those in positions of power, with no accountability for the harm caused to innocent citizens.

As the case remains stalled, the call for intervention and justice grows louder. Activists and legal experts are demanding that the Nigerian judiciary take immediate action to ensure that these workers are afforded their constitutional rights and released from unjust detention.