In a shocking development, exclusive reports have revealed that former Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has been holding 15 domestic workers in prison since 2019 over accusations related to the disappearance of valuable jewellery from her residence. The workers, who were employed in the Jonathan household, have been detained without trial for nearly six years under what many are calling a controversial and unjust situation.
Sources close to the case disclosed that the domestic staff, including housekeepers, personal assistants, and other service personnel, were arrested following an investigation into the alleged theft of high-value jewellery from the ex-First Lady’s estate. Despite a lack of concrete evidence or formal charges against the detained workers, they have been held in custody for years, with little or no opportunity for legal recourse or proper defense.
The incident began in 2019 when Mrs. Jonathan reported that a significant collection of jewellery had gone missing from her personal collection, which she valued highly. The loss of the items led to a widespread search and investigation into those who had access to the estate, with the domestic workers coming under intense scrutiny. The workers were reportedly interrogated and, in some cases, accused of being involved in the theft without any clear proof.
Legal experts have raised concerns over the prolonged detention of the workers, citing violations of human rights and a lack of due process. According to Nigerian law, individuals are entitled to a fair trial and should not be held in detention for extended periods without formal charges or evidence. The case has sparked outrage, particularly among human rights organizations and advocates for justice, who are calling for immediate attention to the situation.
“It is deeply troubling that individuals can be held in custody for this long without facing proper legal proceedings,” said Chike Adebayo, a human rights lawyer based in Lagos. “This is not only a violation of basic human rights, but also a stain on the legal system. Justice must be served, and the workers deserve to have their day in court.”
Despite several attempts by the families of the detained workers to seek legal representation and have their loved ones released, the situation remains unresolved. Many are questioning the influence and power that Patience Jonathan may have exercised to prolong the detentions without due legal process.
In light of these revelations, there have been growing calls for international bodies, such as the United Nations and Amnesty International, to intervene in order to ensure that the detained workers are released and granted a fair trial. The public has also voiced their concern over what they see as an abuse of power and a lack of accountability in high-profile cases.