Patience Jonathan, former Nigerian First Lady, is allegedly accused of unlawfully detaining 15 domestic workers since 2019 over a missing jewelry case. Despite no court conviction, the workers remain imprisoned at Okaka Correctional Centre, raising concerns about delayed trials, human rights violations, and abuse of power
Patience Jonathan, former Nigerian First Lady, is facing serious allegations of unlawfully detaining 15 domestic workers since 2019 over a missing jewelry case. According to Sahara Reporters, these workers have been kept at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State without any formal conviction or trial. The charges stem from a break-in at one of Jonathan's properties in Otuoke, during which the former First Lady reportedly ordered the arrest of all domestic staff, including those not present during the incident.
Despite the serious allegations, including armed robbery and theft, there has been no concrete evidence presented to the court, and the case has faced repeated delays. Legal experts argue that this prolonged detention violates the constitutional rights of the workers, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
The public reaction to the news has been mixed, with some expressing disbelief and others criticizing the abuse of power. Social media users have voiced their opinions, with one user commenting, “Why are they bringing this to social media?” while others questioned why the workers have been detained without sufficient evidence. The controversy has sparked debates on the fairness of the legal process, particularly regarding the influence of prominent individuals in the case.
