Yenagoa, Nigeria — The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has categorically dismissed circulating reports alleging the illegal detention of 15 former domestic aides to Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Yenagoa.
In a statement released on Sunday, Isari Gbosi Tombara, spokesperson for the Okaka Custodial Centre, described the reports as unfounded and malicious. Tombara insisted that the claims were intended to discredit the service and mislead the public.
“Assertions suggesting that the former First Lady is holding her ex-staff unlawfully, or had any secret meetings with senior correctional officials in Bayelsa, are entirely untrue,” Tombara stated. He further explained that the individuals in question were detained based on court orders and continue to appear in court in accordance with judicial directives.
Tombara confirmed that the detainees have had consistent court appearances, including sessions held on March 10, 11, and April 3, 2025. Another hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2025. He emphasized that no inmate can be kept in custody without a valid remand warrant and reiterated that the Okaka facility maintains high standards of peace and humane treatment.
Detainees Express Concerns Over Lengthy Detention and Lack of Progress.
Despite official assurances, some of the detained individuals have voiced grievances about prolonged incarceration and stagnation in their legal proceedings. Among the 15 accused are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, and Ebuka Cosmos—former staff members of the Jonathan household—who were arrested in 2019 on charges of conspiracy and theft.
Facing an 18-count indictment that includes allegations of conspiracy to murder, armed robbery, burglary, and the theft of valuables reportedly worth ₦200 million, the detainees claim that there has been no tangible evidence brought against them. One of them, speaking with Punchng, lamented that court sessions are routinely postponed and that no key witnesses have testified.
The detainee, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “We’ve been behind bars for years with no meaningful progress in our case. The charges stem from a burglary at one of Madam Jonathan’s residences in Otuoke, but nothing has been proven.”
Another inmate alleged that the former First Lady was involved in threatening them and monitoring their phone communications while they were in police custody, adding claims of physical abuse during detention.
Family Members Plead for Swift Judicial Action.
Family members of the accused have also decried the pace of justice. Gladys Achese, sister to one of the detained women, revealed that her sibling has remained in custody for six years with no conclusion in sight. “She keeps encouraging us when we visit. Our parents have appealed multiple times to Mrs Jonathan, yet nothing has changed. All we want is a fair hearing,” she shared.
Steve Ibiene, brother to one of the male detainees, demanded transparency and expediency: “The case has dragged for far too long. If they’re guilty, let the court rule accordingly. If innocent, they deserve their freedom. Meanwhile, the former First Lady has never appeared in court since the arrests.”
More Read
Human Rights Lawyer Raises Alarm Over 40 Adjournments.
Highlighting the judicial bottlenecks, Funmi Adedoyin, a legal advocate from the rights group Tech4Justice, disclosed that the case has seen over 40 adjournments. She attributed the delays to logistical setbacks such as absent prosecutors, reassignment of judges, and suspected political pressure tied to the complainant’s status.
“We’ve made multiple attempts to secure bail and push for timely hearings, but there’s clear reluctance within the system. The high-profile nature of the case seems to be influencing judicial processes,” Adedoyin noted.
She added that while three of the detainees have secured bail due to medical concerns, the situation remains dire for the rest. One female detainee, she said, lost a child during incarceration and was not granted permission to attend the burial.
Calling for immediate intervention, Adedoyin emphasized: “The prolonged detention is unjust. These individuals deserve their day in court. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Correctional Authority Restates Commitment to Rule of Law.
While the legal and emotional weight of the case continues to stir public debate, the Bayelsa State Correctional Service maintains that it operates within the confines of due process. The Command reiterated its commitment to humane and lawful treatment of inmates in line with national correctional standards.
Officials confirmed that all custodial practices are guided by the directive of Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who has consistently advocated for adherence to legal procedures and the protection of inmate rights across Nigeria’s correctional institutions.
