Judge Delays Ruling In Patience Jonathan’s Workers Theft Trial

The Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has postponed its ruling in the trial of 15 domestic workers of former First Lady Patience Jonathan, following the death of one of the defendants.

The ruling, initially slated for September 24, was expected to determine whether the confessional statements obtained by police — which the defendants insist were extracted under torture — could be admitted as evidence.

The court adjourned after being informed of the death of Sahabi Liman, one of the accused. His death certificate must now be presented for him to be formally struck out of the case and the charges amended.

The case was further stalled as two defence lawyers, Barr. Ogidibe Imoni and Barr. Chinedu Ezanna, failed to submit their written addresses. The matter has been rescheduled for October 20.

Liman, about 45 years old, died last week in Port Harcourt after a long illness. He had earlier been granted bail on health grounds but never recovered, with his family blaming his deteriorating condition on harsh prison conditions at the Okaka Correctional Centre.

The 15 workers were arrested in 2019 over allegations of stealing Mrs. Jonathan’s jewellery worth hundreds of millions of naira. They have repeatedly denied the charges, alleging that police and Mrs. Jonathan’s aides tortured them to force confessions.

Some defendants previously described being flogged unconscious, suspended in detention, and threatened with death. They also named police officers and Mrs. Jonathan’s Chief Security Officer as being directly involved, but no investigations have been carried out.

The trial has dragged for over five years, plagued by adjournments and delays. The pending ruling on the admissibility of the disputed confessions is seen as pivotal — it could either strengthen the prosecution’s case or collapse it entirely.

For now, the 14 surviving defendants remain in detention, still waiting for a decision that could decide their fate.