Bayelsa Court Begins Trial Of Patience Jonathan’s Domestic Workers After Six-Year Detention

A Bayelsa State High Court has ordered an accelerated trial of 15 former domestic workers of Patience Jonathan after nearly six years in prison without conviction.

The court directive came during Thursday’s hearing in Yenagoa following rare agreement between prosecution and defence to fast-track the long-delayed case.

“We are hopeful this marks the beginning of the end. The trial will now move quickly,” a defence source told reporters.

The 15 accused individuals were arrested in 2019 over missing jewellery allegedly linked to Nigeria’s former First Lady. They have remained in custody at Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State since then.

According to court insiders, the case has suffered consistent delays allegedly caused by the private legal team representing Mrs Jonathan.

“They’ve stalled the process for years. One witness dragged on for nearly two years,” said someone familiar with the proceedings.

Private prosecutors Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba reportedly used repeated excuses including ill health and unavailability of witnesses to prolong the trial.

“One day he claimed he was ill. Another day, the witness had office work. It was always one thing or another,” another observer stated.

Court records show bail applications were filed at the beginning, but the judge insisted on hearing evidence first. Bail was eventually denied on grounds that the charges were capital in nature.

“The court said the offences were too serious for bail, even after keeping them this long without judgment,” a family member of one accused person said.

The court has denied playing any part in the delays, blaming them on the presence of multiple defence lawyers and their numerous cross-examinations.

The 15 detainees—mostly cooks, stewards, and cleaners—remain imprisoned without a ruling. Their families continue to plead for justice.

“We just want them to get their day in court,” one relative said.