The Bayelsa state command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has denied reports that 15 former domestic staff of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are being held illegally at the Okaka Custodial Centre.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, the Okaka Custodial Centre spokesman, Isari Gbosi Tombara, described the reports as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the service.
Legit.ng reported that fifteen former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan have spent six years in Bayelsa prison, without conviction.
Charged with theft and conspiracy to murder, the defendants were accused of stealing jewellery and luxury items worth hundreds of millions.
Despite over 40 court adjournments and the absence of key witnesses, calls for justice persist as Tech4Justice, a human rights organisation advocating for the detainees, gave an update.
Legal advocacy group Tech4Justice, frustrated by delays, said efforts to secure bail had been unsuccessful due to interference and judicial delays.
NCoS insists rights of ex-staff not infringed upon
Clarifying the development, NCoS spokesman Tombara noted that the inmates were legally remanded by competent courts and had not been denied their fundamental rights, The Punch reported.
The statement added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the service categorically states that there was no such meeting between the former first lady and top officials of the command as concocted in the reports. Also, the said inmates were remanded in custody by the High Court 1 of Bayelsa State and have been attending trials at and as when due.
“They were in court on the 10th and 11th of March 2025, and the last time they attended court was Thursday, 3rd April 2025, where the matter was adjourned to the 17th of April 2025. The said inmates have also been treated fairly and humanely while in custody, and their fundamental human rights are respected.”
Speaking further, he also stressed that no inmate can be held without a valid remand warrant, noting that the Okaka facility remains one of the most peaceful in the country.
The command also reiterated its commitment to the safe, humane custody and rehabilitation of inmates, in line with the directives of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
Mr Macaroni reacts, slams Patience Jonathan
Meanwhile, Nollywood actor and activist, Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has reacted to the development.
The movie star condemned the pattern of rich people abusing power by indiscriminately locking up people who cannot fight for themselves.
