Ex-First Lady’s Staff Still Locked Up Over Missing Jewellery – NBA Steps In

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has become involved in the prolonged case of 15 former domestic workers of ex-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who have been detained for six years over allegations of stealing jewellery and other valuable items.

A top NBA official shared that the association is working with Mrs. Jonathan to find a resolution to the matter. The detainees, including Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, and several others, have been held at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa since 2019. They face accusations of stealing items valued at N200 million, including gold bangles, electronics, and furniture. They are also facing multiple felony charges such as conspiracy to commit armed robbery and burglary.

In response, the NBA has engaged with various parties involved, including legal representatives, the Bayelsa State Government, and the former First Lady, to help resolve the case. The association is focused on ensuring that all parties’ rights are protected and that the matter is addressed promptly. An official from the NBA confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Attorney General of Bayelsa and other key stakeholders to speed up the process.

Several factors have contributed to delays in the case, including the involvement of multiple defence lawyers and the insistence on trial-within-trial procedures. In addition, one of the detainees had a baby, further slowing down the trial.

Meanwhile, the controller of the Bayelsa Custodial Centre has warned the detainees against sharing information with the public. A source revealed that the controller clarified recent online rumors, stating he had no meetings with Mrs. Jonathan and denying any accusations of torture.

One detainee, Wariboko Salomi, a sickle cell patient, has been granted bail due to her pregnancy. However, the controller denied claims that her condition was causing delays in the case. Another source mentioned that Salomi’s relative was initially detained but later released because they were a witness in one of Mrs. Jonathan’s cases.

In a heartbreaking twist, Gladys Achese, the sister of one of the detainees, revealed that her sister’s marriage fell apart after her arrest. According to Gladys, Tamunosiki Achese’s husband, who had encouraged her to keep working until the time of her arrest, sent divorce papers to her while she was still in prison.

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Ex-First Lady’s Staff Still Locked Up Over Missing Jewellery – NBA Steps In