Fresh concerns have emerged over the prolonged and unlawful detention of 15 domestic workers who have been held since 2019, accused of stealing jewellery reportedly belonging to former First Lady Patience Jonathan. Despite no trial or solid evidence, these workers have been detained for nearly six years under questionable circumstances.
On Friday, Patience Jonathan was spotted in a closed-door meeting with senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Bayelsa State**. The meeting took place following media reports highlighting the inhumane conditions the detained workers are enduring at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa, the state’s capital.
A source close to the situation revealed that Patience Jonathan arrived in Yenagoa on the same day after reports about the workers’ suffering surfaced, hinting that her visit could be an attempt to suppress further media revelations or apply pressure on prison authorities. The meeting was held at the Aridolf Resort, where the prison officials were seen discussing the matter until late afternoon.
The workers—ranging from men to women—have been imprisoned since 2019, accused of stealing jewellery belonging to Jonathan. However, no convictions have been made, and there has been a lack of evidence presented in court, yet their detention continues without resolution.
The detainees include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, and others, whose names have been publicized. Past reports have also uncovered allegations of severe torture during their detention, allegedly at the hands of Patience Jonathan herself. Sources claim she oversaw brutal torture sessions involving various physical punishments, with some detainees claiming they were tortured with high-heeled shoes and supervised by security officers from her husband’s team.
Public outrage continues to grow over the workers’ detention, and human rights groups are calling for a fair trial and the release of those wrongfully held.
The secret meeting and the ongoing detention of these individuals have raised serious questions about justice and accountability in the country. Advocates for the detainees are urging for immediate action to ensure their release and end the prolonged suffering.
