Several former domestic staff members of Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady, are still being held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State.
These detainees, who have been incarcerated since 2019, have spoken out about the abuse and hardships they have endured, blaming prolonged delays in their trial.
They claim that despite being held for years, no evidence has been presented against them, and they are pleading for help, highlighting their suffering in jail.
The detainees, including Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, and others, were accused in 2019 of stealing gold jewellery and electronics worth N200 million from Patience Jonathan’s residence. In addition to theft, they face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and other serious crimes.
One detainee from prison that no evidence has been presented in court and that the trial has been repeatedly delayed, partly due to missing witnesses. Another detainee described enduring harsh conditions and mistreatment while in police custody.
The families of the detainees have expressed outrage over the delay, calling for the intervention of the Attorney General, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.
They are demanding a prompt resolution to a case that has now been pending for over six years.
Relatives like Gladys Achese, the sister of detainee Tamunosiki Abaku, have shared the emotional toll the case has taken, particularly during their visits to the prison.
Steve Ibiene, the brother of William Alami, argues that the detainees should face trial without further postponements, pointing out that they have already spent six years in detention without a verdict.
Despite the growing calls for justice, the case has experienced over 40 adjournments, often due to the absence of police prosecutors and changes in the presiding judge.
Attempts to secure bail for the detainees have been unsuccessful, with suggestions that political influence may be playing a role in the delay. Tragically, one detainee lost a child while in custody.
The charges against the detainees now include conspiracy to murder Patience Jonathan, though no compelling evidence has been presented to back these allegations.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the lack of progress in the case and the conditions under which the accused are being held.
Efforts to contact Patience Jonathan or her representatives for comment on the case have been unsuccessful.
As the case continues, both the legal and emotional toll on the detainees and their families remains significant.
Punch
