By Prosper Mene
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has shed light on the reasons behind the prolonged delay in the trial of 13 domestic workers of former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre since 2019. The case, which involves allegations of theft of jewellery and other valuables worth approximately N200 million, has sparked concerns over judicial delays and access to justice.
According to Somina Johnbull, Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, the primary cause of the delay stems from procedural challenges due to the involvement of multiple defense lawyers representing the 13 defendants. “With regard to the case, I want to say that the NBA investigated the case. We spoke with all the lawyers, and the fault isn’t from the court,” Johnbull stated. He explained that the absence of one or more counsels at scheduled hearings has repeatedly stalled proceedings, as the case cannot move forward without all legal representatives present. “Any day that any of the lawyers don’t come to court, the case cannot proceed,” he added.
The detained workers, arrested in 2019 following a reported break-in at one of Jonathan’s properties in Otuoke, face an 18-count charge, including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, and burglary. Despite the severity of the charges, the trial has faced over 40 adjournments, leaving the defendants without conviction or bail for nearly six years. The NBA chairman expressed surprise at the duration of the delay, noting that such prolonged cases are uncommon in Bayelsa, especially with modern facilities like the state’s e-recording system.
The NBA’s intervention has renewed hope for a resolution. The association has been engaging with stakeholders, including Jonathan and the Attorney General, to address the delays. A senior NBA official emphasized the complexity of the case, noting that factors such as the birth of a child by one defendant and the insistence on a trial-within-trial procedure have contributed to the slow pace.
Johnbull made these remarks while briefing journalists ahead of the NBA Yenagoa Branch’s annual Law Week, set to feature former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as the keynote speaker on May 16, 2025. The event, themed “Setting the Pace: Law, Leadership and Transformational Development,” aims to address governance, the rule of law, and access to justice.
Families of the detained workers, alongside civil society groups, continue to demand urgent judicial intervention, citing inhumane treatment and lack of evidence. One relative told SaharaReporters, “Since 2019, there has been no evidence to prove the case in court, and the case is not proceeding.” The case has also drawn public criticism, with figures like comedian Mr. Macaroni calling for justice.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa Command, has denied allegations of illegal detention or secret meetings with Jonathan, asserting that the detainees are lawfully remanded and the Okaka facility remains peaceful. However, the prolonged incarceration without conviction raises broader questions about Nigeria’s judicial system and the influence of powerful figures.
The outcome of this high-profile trial could set a precedent for addressing judicial delays and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
