A new report has surfaced alleging that former First Lady Patience Jonathan has kept 15 of her domestic staff detained at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019 over unproven allegations of theft.
According to sources cited by SaharaReporters, these workers have remained behind bars without a court conviction, as their trial has been continuously delayed, allegedly under Jonathan’s influence. The case involves accusations of jewelry theft, but no formal ruling has been made.
It is claimed that despite ongoing legal efforts to secure their release, the case has been deliberately stalled. One source stated, “Since 2019, about 16 of her domestic staff have been detained in Okaka Prison without being given a fair trial. The legal process has been repeatedly obstructed.”
Legal aid organizations, including TECH4JUSTICE, have reportedly been involved in providing legal representation for the detained workers. However, the trial has allegedly been hindered due to pressure exerted by the former First Lady.
Among the 12 identified detainees are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson.
Meanwhile, three additional workers—Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima—were mentioned but not pictured in the report.
See their pictures below:
