Yenagoa, Bayelsa
A Bayelsa State High Court has indefinitely adjourned the hearing in the long-running case against 15 former domestic workers of ex‑First Lady Patience Jonathan, citing the absence of defence counsel.
The aides have been detained at Okaka Custodial Centre since 2019, accused of stealing jewellery and household items belonging to Patience Jonathan. Despite six years in custody, no verdict has been delivered, with the trial suffering over 40 adjournments due to procedural delays .
Family members and activists have denounced the ongoing detention without conclusion as unjust and punitive, demanding either prosecution or release.
The Bayelsa NBA attributes the legal stagnation largely to the high turnover of defence attorneys—each substitution necessitates fresh proceedings. The court has also emphasized that the serious charges, including theft, armed robbery, burglary, and conspiracy (with reported elements of capital punishment), necessitate uninterrupted legal representation from all parties .
Representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the High Court have defended the process, saying the detainees are being treated humanely and are appearing in court at scheduled times—but they admit that the trial's progress has been sluggish due to frequent adjournments triggered by counsel changes.
News House Analysis:
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Abuse of due process? Six years of pre‑trial detention without conviction raises serious concerns over fundamental rights and judicial efficiency.
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Systemic challenges: The case illustrates Nigeria’s broader backlog of criminal trials, where procedural lapses often prolong detention, especially for low-income suspects.
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Accountability gaps: Despite national attention, there’s no public indication of measures to fast-track the case or address structural bottlenecks.
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Human impact: The families continue to suffer — not just financially, but also through ongoing emotional trauma and uncertainty.
What’s next:
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The court must set a definitive hearing date or consider transferring the case due to repeated delays.
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The Attorney‑General or judiciary could intervene to ensure due process and respect for defendants' rights.
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Civil society and media oversight are critical to prevent this from becoming another unresolved injustice.
