The Nigerian Bar Association has intervened in the ongoing case concerning 15 former domestic employees of ex-first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who have been in custody for six years on charges of stealing jewellery and other valuable items.
A senior member of the association, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, mentioned that the NBA is also in discussions with Mrs Jonathan to find a resolution to the situation.
Our reporters previously revealed that 15 aides of the former first lady are being held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State for allegedly taking jewellery belonging to Mrs Jonathan.
The individuals involved include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.
The defendants faced charges in the High Court of Bayelsa in 2019.
They were accused of stealing seven gold bangles and various jewellery items, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of furniture, and six Samsung flat-screen TVs worth N200 million.
They were also charged with 18 counts related to conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary, and theft, among other allegations.
A senior official from the NBA, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the ongoing court case, revealed that efforts are being made to resolve the issue.
The source indicated that the association has initiated discussions with key figures involved, including legal representatives, the Bayelsa State Government, and the former first lady.
"We have contacted the former first lady, some lawyers, and the Attorney General of Bayelsa State to review the situation, and we've consulted the lawyer for the former first lady about the possibility of an amicable solution since the matter is drawing unnecessary attention," he noted.
He stressed that the NBA is dedicated to ensuring a swift resolution of the case while protecting the rights of all involved parties.
"We will continue to engage with the parties involved. The Attorney General has assured us he will investigate the case and get back to us. We have also spoken with the chairperson of the NBA in Yenagoa, who outlined the steps she is taking to ensure proper actions are taken," the source added.
He mentioned that various factors have contributed to the slow progress of the case, including one defendant giving birth and the defense lawyers' insistence on a trial-within-trial approach.
"There are numerous defendants, each with different legal representation, so each lawyer must cross-examine witnesses, which is causing delays. At one point, one of the defendants even had a baby, which has impacted the pace of the trial," he explained.
While recognizing the delicate nature of the case, the official called on the judiciary to provide the public with clarification regarding the status of the proceedings.
"I believe the court should share its own account and clarify what is occurring," he added.
In related news, a source informed Sunday PUNCH that the head of the Bayelsa Custodial Centre cautioned the detainees against sharing details of their situation with the public.
The source revealed, "This morning, the controller of the Okaka Custodial Centre summoned them and warned that anyone who knows who is leaking information about their detention online should be advised to cease, as it could further complicate their case."
He claimed that it was reported online that he (the controller) had attended a meeting with Patience Jonathan, but he clarified that he has no acquaintance with the former first lady and that they have never interacted. He also stated that he was falsely accused of torturing them and questioned whether he had inflicted any harm on them.
Additionally, one of the defendants denied the assertion that a pregnant detainee was responsible for the delays in the trial.
As per the inmate, the individual in question, Wariboko Salomi, who suffers from sickle cell disease, was granted bail because of her pregnancy.
The insider added, "A relative of her (the ex-first lady) was present at the police station with us, but they released him as he was a witness in one of her cases. Even some police officers who were monitoring the residence were held. However, later, the CSO, Colin Otutu, stated that they were the ones providing security and staying within the compound. He ordered their release."
Detainee's husband initiates divorce
In a discussion with Sunday PUNCH, Gladys Achese, the sister of one of the detainees, Tamunosiki, shared that her sister's husband divorced her after she spent several years in prison.
She explained, "After their marriage in February 2018, my sister intended to leave her job, but her husband urged her to stay employed until October, indicating that it would help them manage their expenses since they had just tied the knot. She continued working. When she was ready to stop in October, he asked her to extend her employment until December, justifying that it was due to the year's end. This nearly led to conflicts between them.
"When December arrived, she was compelled to cease working, as he was displeased that she had quit. Until the point of her arrest, they were cohabiting. Following her arrest, her husband and his family did not reach out to our parents or visit our home to inquire about my sister. He did not visit his wife in prison. He only went directly with his mother to see the former first lady, who requested that my sister be brought to her home. In 2022, he sent divorce papers to my sister while she was incarcerated, which ultimately ended their marriage."
