Sh*cking Court Stalemate: Suspects Linked To Patience Jonathan Held As Case Suffers Over 40 Delays

Legal practitioner Funmi Adedoyin has voiced deep frustration over the prolonged detention and stalled trial of several former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, who are being held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State over alleged theft of valuable items.

The trial has suffered further delays following the recent abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court on June 21, right in front of a popular eatery in Yenagoa, the state capital. As a result, the case—already dragging for years—was adjourned again on June 25 and 26.

The defendants face a long list of serious charges, including the theft of seven gold bangles and other luxury jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered furniture, and six Samsung flat-screen TVs, with the total value estimated at ₦200 million. They are also accused of armed robbery, conspiracy to murder, burglary, and other felonies.

The individuals involved include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.

According to a report by Punch in April, the case has already been adjourned 40 times, leaving the accused to languish in prison for six years without resolution.

Adedoyin expressed concern over the continuous delay, describing it as a denial of justice.

“We are truly unhappy about these persistent adjournments. Despite all efforts through legal advocacy, justice continues to be delayed. These individuals deserve a fair and timely trial,” she stated.

She added that the recent adjournments, caused by solidarity actions following the judge’s abduction, have only worsened an already dire situation.

“The court didn’t sit on June 26 and 27. We still haven’t been given a new date. It’s incredibly discouraging,” she said.

Gladys Achese, sister to one of the detained suspects, echoed the frustration:

“It’s heartbreaking. The case has stalled completely. They didn’t appear in court at all last month, and with the legal break coming in August, we fear more delays. We’re running out of hope.”

Both the legal team and families say they will continue to push for justice, calling on the judiciary to urgently resume proceedings.