Ex-First Lady’s Legal Team Accused of Deliberately Prolonging Trial of 15 Domestic Workers
Six Years in Detention Over Missing Jewelry Case
Fifteen domestic workers formerly employed by Nigeria’s ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have spent nearly six years in detention at the Okaka Correctional Centre without trial resolution, with sources alleging deliberate stalling tactics by her private legal team.
Key Details of the Case
- Arrest & Charges: The workers were arrested in 2019 for allegedly stealing jewelry belonging to Mrs. Jonathan.
- Legal Team: Prosecutors Ige Asemudara (Lagos-based) and Samuel Chinedu Maduba (Port Harcourt-based), both private lawyers representing the former First Lady in multiple cases, have led the prosecution.
- Delay Tactics: Sources describe a pattern of adjournments, with witnesses taking years to testify and frequent excuses like illness or unavailability.
Allegations of Abuse of Process
- “Designed to Frustrate”: Insiders claim the delays are intentional, aimed at keeping the workers incarcerated indefinitely.
- Bail Denied: Despite initial assurances from the judge to review evidence, bail applications were later rejected on grounds of “capital offenses”—a classification the prosecution allegedly failed to substantiate.
- Defence Ignored: Repeated attempts by the defendants’ lawyers to expedite proceedings have been disregarded.
List of Detained Workers
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.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
- Judicial Integrity: Questions arise over the court’s handling of the case, including the sudden reversal on bail.
- Six-Year Detention: Critics highlight Nigeria’s overburdened justice system, where prolonged pretrial detention remains systemic.
- Accountability: Calls grow for scrutiny of private prosecutions involving high-profile figures.
Broader Implications
The case underscores:
- Power Dynamics: How influence can allegedly manipulate legal outcomes.
- Justice Delayed: The human cost of Nigeria’s sluggish judiciary.
- Legal Reform Need: Demands for stricter timelines in criminal proceedings.
Next Steps:
Human rights organizations are being urged to intervene, while observers await the court’s next hearing—if it proceeds without further delays.
