After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers

After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers

A High Court in Bayelsa State has fixed May 22 for the continuation of trial in the long-running case involving 15 former domestic workers of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, bringing renewed attention to a matter that has lingered in the justice system for over six years.

The defendants have been in custody since 2019 over allegations that they stole jewellery and valuables reportedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from the former First Lady. Despite the seriousness of the charges, the case has suffered repeated adjournments, prolonged absence of the presiding judge, and failure to fix consistent hearing dates—factors that stalled proceedings even after the prosecution had closed its case.

At the last hearing, the matter had reached the stage where the defendants were expected to open their defence. However, delays persisted until recent developments, with sources indicating that increased media scrutiny and public pressure prompted judicial authorities to finally set a definite date for trial to resume.

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Families of the accused have continued to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s case, alleging that key confessional statements presented in court were obtained under duress. Some of the defendants had earlier told the court they were subjected to torture during interrogation, raising concerns among rights advocates about human rights violations in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Relatives also alleged behind-the-scenes interference by officials, claiming efforts were made to keep the accused in prolonged detention and frustrate the progress of the trial. While these claims remain unproven in court, they have intensified public debate around judicial independence in Nigeria and the handling of high-profile cases.

The prolonged detention has had devastating consequences. One of the defendants, Sahabi Liman, died in custody after his health reportedly deteriorated. According to family accounts, he had earlier been granted bail on medical grounds and briefly showed signs of recovery before his condition worsened.

Other defendants are also said to be battling serious health conditions, with concerns raised over limited access to adequate medical care while in custody.

Legal observers note that the case underscores broader systemic issues, including delayed justice in Nigeria, prolonged pre-trial detention, and the rights of defendants awaiting trial. The principle that justice delayed is justice denied has been repeatedly cited in discussions surrounding the case.

With the May 22 date now fixed, attention will shift to the courtroom as the defendants prepare to present their defence in what has become one of the most closely watched prolonged detention cases involving aides to a high-profile political figure.

After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers