Stolen jewellery: NBA probs Patience Jonathan over ex-workers six years’ detention

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has intervened in the ongoing case involving 15 former domestic employees of ex-first lady Dame Patience Jonathan, who have been in detention for six years on charges of stealing jewelry and other valuables.

A senior official from the association indicated on Saturday that the NBA is also in discussions with Mrs. Jonathan to find a resolution to the issue.

Reports from our correspondents revealed that the 15 aides of the former first lady are currently held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State, accused of stealing jewelry belonging to Mrs. Jonathan.

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.

The defendants were presented before the Bayelsa High Court in 2019.

They face allegations of stealing seven gold bangles and other jewelry, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, with a total value of N200 million.

Additionally, they have been charged with 18 counts related to conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary, and theft, among other offenses.

A senior NBA official, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing court proceedings, revealed that efforts are being made to resolve the situation.

The source noted that the association has initiated discussions with key stakeholders, including legal representatives, the Bayelsa State Government, and the former first lady.

“We have reached out to the former first lady, some of the lawyers, and the Attorney General of Bayelsa State to review the case. We have also communicated with the lawyer representing the former first lady regarding the potential for resolving this matter, as it is attracting unnecessary attention,” he stated.

Recognizing the delicate nature of the situation, the official called on the judiciary to provide the public with clear information regarding the current status of the case.

"I believe the court should also share its perspective and clarify the ongoing developments," he remarked.

Custodial Head Issues Warning to Inmates

In a related development, a source reported that the head of the Bayelsa Custodial Centre cautioned inmates against sharing information with the public.

The source stated, "This morning, the director of the Okaka Custodial Centre addressed the inmates, warning that anyone aware of who is disseminating news about their detention online should intervene to stop it. He indicated that such actions could negatively impact their situation.

"He clarified that there were claims online suggesting he and others had met with Patience Jonathan, but he asserted that he has never met the former first lady. Additionally, he refuted allegations of having tortured the inmates, asking them directly if he had inflicted any harm upon them."

Furthermore, one of the defendants denied the assertion that a pregnant detainee was responsible for delaying the trial.

The inmate explained that the individual in question, Wariboko Salomi, who suffers from sickle cell disease, had been granted bail due to her pregnancy.

The source continued, "A relative of the ex-first lady was present at the police station with us, but he was released because he was a witness in one of her cases. Even some police officers assigned to secure the premises were detained. However, the Chief Security Officer, Colin Otutu, later stated that they were the ones providing security and ordered their release."

Detainee's Husband Files for Divorce

In an interview, Gladys Achese, the sister of one of the detainees, Tamunosiki, disclosed that her sister's husband filed for divorce after she spent several years in prison.

She recounted, "Following their marriage in February 2018, my sister intended to leave her job, but her husband encouraged her to continue working until October, explaining that since they had just married, it would help manage their expenses. She complied with his request. When she was prepared to stop in October,