The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has begun talks with Dame Patience Jonathan over the prolonged detention of 15 former domestic staff accused of stealing jewellery and valuables worth N200 million. The workers, detained since 2019 at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa, face 18 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery.
An NBA official said efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter, involving discussions with the ex-First Lady’s legal team, the Bayelsa State Government, and the state’s Attorney General. Delays in the trial have been blamed on multiple defence lawyers and a trial-within-trial process.
Meanwhile, a source revealed that prison authorities warned the inmates against leaking information, and one detainee’s sister said her husband divorced her during her time in custody. The NBA has pledged to ensure a fair and speedy resolution to the case.
