The Bayelsa State High Court has finally responded to public outcry and media reports surrounding the prolonged incarceration of 15 domestic workers linked to former Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan, who have been languishing in prison custody since 2019 over allegations stemming from a missing set of jewellery.
In a press statement issued by Julius L. Nyananyo, Head of Media and Information of the Bayelsa State High Court, the court confirmed that the case, currently being prosecuted by the State, is ongoing in High Court 1, presided over by Hon. Justice Matilda Ayemieye, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.
“The attention of the Bayelsa State High Court has been drawn to a media report titled ‘Ex-Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan Holds 15 Domestic Workers in Prison over Missing Jewellery’ by an online reporter on Thursday, 3rd April 2025,” the statement read.
“As a responsible organisation, we want to set the records straight in the interest of justice and balanced reportage,” Nyananyo stated, while dismissing allegations of judicial complicity or external influence in the case.
According to the statement, the accused persons, 15 in total, are being tried on serious charges including armed robbery and attempted murder. The case was initially assigned to Justice Ayemieye in 2019, before she became the Chief Judge.
“His Lordship granted accelerated hearing to enable parties to conduct the matter speedily,” Nyananyo said.
“From available records, the matter has suffered delays due to multiple defence lawyers who must cross-examine witnesses, which has slowed down proceedings.”
The court further blamed several adjournments on the defence team, noting that Justice Ayemieye had even advised the lawyers to streamline their representation for the sake of expediting the trial.
“Only recently, an application for a Trial within a Trial was made, which the court granted. This obviously will further delay the case,” the statement added.
On the controversial issue of bail, which has left most of the defendants languishing in prison for nearly six years, the court defended its decisions.
“Applications were determined on the merits and based on the materials furnished. Some of the defendants were admitted to bail,” the court said.
“If anyone was dissatisfied, there is a mechanism for review of the same by appealing to the higher Courts.”
The detained individuals, many of whom were low-level domestic workers, include 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.
