Nigeria: NBA intervenes in Patience Jonathan’s ex-workers’ detention case

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stepped in to address the prolonged detention of 15 former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan. The workers have been held in custody for six years over allegations of stealing jewelry and other valuables.

According to reports, the NBA is engaging with key stakeholders, including Mrs. Jonathan, her lawyers, and the Bayelsa State Government, to resolve the matter. A top NBA official confirmed that efforts are underway to bring the case to a swift conclusion while ensuring the rights of all parties are protected.

The 15 defendants, who were accused of stealing items valued at N200 million, have been facing 18 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, and burglary. However, the case has been slow to progress due to various factors, including the birth of a child by one of the defendants and the insistence of defense lawyers on a trial-within-trial procedure.

The NBA official noted that the association is committed to seeing the case through to its conclusion and has urged the judiciary to provide clarity on the status of the matter. The official also expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the defendants and the need for a speedy resolution.

In a related development, one of the defendants’ sisters revealed that her sibling’s husband had divorced her while she was in prison. The sister, Gladys Achese, stated that her sibling, Tamunosiki, was married in 2018 and had to quit her job due to her husband’s demands. However, after her arrest, her husband and his family did not reach out to their parents or visit the prison, and he eventually sent divorce papers to Tamunosiki while she was in custody.

The case has sparked concerns over the prolonged detention of the defendants and the need for a fair and speedy trial. The NBA’s intervention is seen as a step towards resolving the matter and ensuring justice is served.