After nearly six years in custody without conviction, 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery belonging to Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are scheduled to continue their defence this week at the Bayelsa State High Court.
The long-running trial, which began in 2019, has been marked by delays, allegations of torture, and increasing public criticism over perceived judicial abuse. The accused individuals—who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since their arrest—are expected to appear in court on Thursday and Friday as part of an accelerated hearing ordered by the court.
A source close to the case revealed that several of the defendants plan to challenge inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and present evidence to show their lack of involvement in the alleged theft.
“They are going to prove how they were never involved. Many of them will expose the contradictions in the claims against them,” the source said, adding that the court had mandated faster proceedings after years of stagnation.
The case sparked national attention following investigative reports that revealed disturbing allegations of torture and coercion used to extract confessions from the accused. During recent court sessions, some defendants testified that they were subjected to inhumane treatment by police operatives allegedly acting under directives from Patience Jonathan.
Vivian Golden, one of the defendants, recounted being arrested in June 2019 and shuffled between police stations before being taken to the now-feared Operation Puff Adder unit. There, she said, she was beaten and suspended from the ceiling in a bid to force a confession.
“She was tortured just to admit to something she didn’t do,” a witness at the court said. “The officers involved were reportedly paid by the complainant to extract those statements.”
Golden’s testimony was corroborated by others including Vincent Olabiyi, Emmanuel Aginwa, and Tamunosiki Achese, who described similarly brutal experiences, including being forced to sign pre-written confessions under duress.
According to court observers, the accused were allegedly brutalised by officers under the command of O.C. Chris and threatened by senior officers including C.S.O. Colin’s Otutu. Machete wounds, hanging, and threats of indefinite detention were reportedly used to break their will.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, no charges have been brought against the officers involved or against Mrs. Jonathan, fueling criticism over the lack of accountability and fairness in the legal process.
The 15 accused persons are: 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.
Critics of the trial also allege that the extended detention and slow pace of proceedings are not accidental but part of a deliberate effort to frustrate the defendants. Legal representatives of Mrs. Jonathan lawyers Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba have been accused of using questionable tactics to delay the case, such as frequent requests for adjournment and citing unverified health problems or unavailable witnesses.
“One of their witnesses took nearly two years to appear. It’s clearly a strategy to exhaust the accused physically and mentally,” said a source familiar with the proceedings.
Some legal experts and rights advocates believe the case reflects broader issues of power abuse and manipulation within Nigeria’s justice system. “It’s not justice being pursued it’s punishment,” one observer stated.
In the wake of a recent investigative report and increasing public pressure, the court has ordered that the matter be fast-tracked. However, as hearings resume, questions remain unanswered about the role of the complainant and the alleged misconduct by law enforcement officers involved in the investigation.
