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Ex-First Lady’s Domestic Staff Face Justice: Court Fast-Tracks Trial In Shocking Legal Twist
The Bayelsa State High Court has ordered an accelerated trial for 15 domestic staff members who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa for nearly six years without conviction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The individuals, reportedly former aides of former First Lady Patience Jonathan, were arrested in connection with missing jewellery allegedly linked to her.
The court’s decision came during a hearing on Thursday, where both prosecution and defence unexpectedly agreed to fast-track proceedings that have been bogged down by years of delays.
“The session went smoothly today. Both sides have agreed to conclude the matter quickly through an expedited hearing. Victory is near,” a defence source told SaharaReporters.
Originally arrested in 2019, the detainees have remained in custody without bail. Legal sources allege the delays were intentionally orchestrated by private legal representatives of the former First Lady.
Investigations revealed that private prosecutors Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba, who represent Mrs Jonathan, repeatedly stalled proceedings. Tactics reportedly included presenting conflicting witness testimonies, frequent adjournment requests, and citing illnesses or scheduling conflicts.
“One prosecutor travels from Lagos, the other from Port Harcourt. They’ve been dragging the case by bringing in dishonest witnesses—one of them even testified over a two-year span,” a source familiar with the case claimed.
Another insider accused the legal team of deliberately prolonging the process to keep the defendants in custody.
“It’s clearly an abuse of the judicial system meant to wear down the accused.”
Attempts to secure bail were initially postponed by the presiding judge, who opted to hear evidence from the prosecution first. However, bail was later denied entirely on the grounds that the charges were capital in nature.
“When the case began in 2019, bail applications were filed. The judge delayed the decision, then ultimately rejected bail due to the seriousness of the charges,” a legal insider noted.
The Bayelsa State High Court has denied playing any role in the prolonged delay, stating that court records show adjournments were mostly due to the need for multiple defence lawyers to cross-examine witnesses, and other procedural reasons.
The 15 detainees—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—remain incarcerated, still awaiting trial or conviction nearly six years after their arrest.
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