A HUMAN rights lawyer, Funmi Adedoyin, has raised serious concerns over the prolonged trial and continued detention of 15 former domestic staff of Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who have now spent over six years in custody without conclusion of their case.
The defendants, who have been remanded at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019, are facing multiple charges including theft, armed robbery, burglary, conspiracy to murder, and unlawful possession of items allegedly stolen from the former First Lady’s residence.
The charges include the theft of: Seven gold bangles and other pieces of jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs, six Samsung flat-screen televisions, collectively valued at over ₦200 million.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the trial has suffered 42 adjournments, a figure that legal analysts describe as excessive and a troubling sign of systemic dysfunction in the nation’s judiciary.
The two most recent adjournments, scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2025, were derailed by the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, who was kidnapped on June 21 near an eatery in Yenagoa. In a show of solidarity, the courts have not resumed proceedings.
Adedoyin told this newspaper that the prolonged delay was a violation of the defendants’ right to a fair and timely trial.
“We are not happy about these delays. It’s deeply frustrating that after six years and 42 adjournments, these individuals are still in prison. We want justice to prevail, and we will continue our legal advocacy until it is served,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Gladys Achese, a sister to one of the detained defendants, expressed anguish over the slow pace of justice.
“We are sad. The case is just dragging. They didn’t go to court at all last month. If nothing happens this month, there’s likely no hope until after the court vacation in August. We are stuck. We don’t know what to do anymore,” she said tearfully.
The prolonged incarceration without trial has left families distraught and uncertain, raising serious concerns about due process, access to justice, and prison overcrowding in Nigeria.
Observers note that such cases reflect broader issues in Nigeria’s judicial system, including frequent adjournments, poor case management, and logistical breakdowns.
Legal experts have called for judicial reforms to prevent indefinite detentions and to expedite the trial process—especially for accused persons who remain behind bars.
The case has now been left without a new hearing date due to the court’s uncertainty following the kidnapping of the judge.
“It is our hope that with increased public attention and sustained advocacy, the courts will finally bring this matter to a close,” Adedoyin added.
The next court date remains uncertain, as the judiciary awaits the return of normal proceedings following the resolution of the judge’s abduction case.