Bayelsa, April 18 – After nearly six years in detention without trial, the Bayelsa State High Court has ordered an expedited hearing in the case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery belonging to former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
The directive followed Thursday’s court proceedings during which both prosecution and defence counsel agreed to fast-track the long-drawn case that has been plagued by delays and controversy since the arrests in 2019.
Most of the 15 accused persons were part of Mrs. Jonathan’s household staff and have remained behind bars at Okaka Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, without bail or conviction. The prolonged detention has drawn criticism over alleged manipulation of court processes, particularly by the private legal team representing Mrs. Jonathan.
Sources familiar with the case alleged that the former First Lady’s lawyers—identified as Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba—intentionally stalled proceedings through various tactics, including presenting witnesses whose testimonies dragged for years, frequent health-related excuses, and repeated requests for adjournments.
“The aim is to frustrate the process and keep these innocent people in prison for as long as possible,” one source close to the defence stated.
In one instance, a witness reportedly took almost two years to testify. Another insider noted that bail applications submitted at the outset were denied after the presiding judge insisted on hearing some evidence first, ultimately declaring the charges “capital offences” and not eligible for bail.
Despite mounting criticism, the court has denied responsibility for the delays, instead attributing them to procedural challenges, including the need for multiple defence lawyers to cross-examine witnesses. The court has also reiterated its commitment to speedy justice.
The accused—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—have become symbolic of alleged judicial abuse and power-driven detention.
Their families continue to plead for justice, with fresh hope now resting on the court’s latest decision to finally accelerate the hearing of the case.
The trial continues.
