Patience Jonathan’s Aides Decry “Torture” and Prolonged Detention Over Missing Jewelry

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – April 5, 2025 – Domestic aides of former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State, have voiced severe grievances over their prolonged detention and alleged maltreatment. They claim their trial has been repeatedly delayed since 2019, leading to immense hardship and “torture”.

Speaking exclusively to Saturday PUNCH, two of the detainees pleaded for intervention, stating they are languishing in prison without substantial progress in their case. The individuals, including Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima, were brought before the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa in 2019.

They face 18 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, burglary, and stealing. The charges stem from the alleged theft of seven gold bangles and jewelry, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, collectively valued at N200 million.

One charge specifically alleges a conspiracy to kill Patience Jonathan. A detainee, speaking from prison, asserted their innocence and claimed the police have yet to present any concrete evidence. “We have been in prison since 2019. We were domestic staff of the former first lady. In 2019, there was a break-in at one of her apartments in Otuoke, and she had all her workers arrested,” the detainee stated. “We weren’t even working in that apartment. Since then, no evidence has been presented to the court, and the case isn’t progressing. She is still waiting for witnesses”

Another inmate alleged they are being maltreated on Jonathan’s orders, claiming threats and torture. “These people want to kill us. In this prison, they are threatening us. Anything you can do for us to leave here, please do. At the police station, they tortured us and threatened to take us to the back and beat and hang us,” the inmate recounted. “After they beat us, she would be on the phone listening to our voices and telling them it wasn’t enough, that they should bring us to her hotel and house. That’s how we’ve been treated.”

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Families of the detainees are now calling on the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to expedite the trial and end the prolonged incarceration. Gladys Achese, sister of Tamunosiki, expressed her anguish, stating, “This is not a nice experience. It is usually traumatizing whenever I visit my sister in prison. The day I went, I was just crying; she was the one consoling me.”

She revealed that her parents had pleaded with Jonathan, but to no avail, and that the situation has taken a toll on them. “They have been shuttling between Bayelsa and Port Harcourt since 2019 to see her,” she said. “I’m not saying my sister is guilty or not, but the court should do the right thing and give them a fair hearing.”

Steve Ibiene, brother of William Alami, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We only want them to do what is right. Let the court try them quickly, and if they are guilty, then sentence them to serve their punishment.” The families are demanding a speedy and fair trial, and if applicable, bail for the detained individuals.