The Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command, has dismissed reports alleging that 15 former domestic staff of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are being illegally detained at the Okaka Custodial Centre.
There had been widespread claims that the former aides have been held since 2019 over accusations of stealing luxury items, including seven gold bangles and jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, all reportedly valued at N200 million.
The suspects were said to be facing 18-count charges ranging from conspiracy to commit murder and felony, to burglary.
However, reacting to the reports on Sunday, the spokesperson for the custodial centre, Isari Gbosi Tombara, described the allegations as “unfounded” and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Service.
Tombara also refuted claims that Patience Jonathan held a secret meeting with top correctional officers of the command, insisting that no such interaction occurred.
“The inmates have been treated fairly and humanely while in custody. Their fundamental human rights have been respected,” Tombara said in the statement.
He noted that the suspects had been attending court sessions, with appearances on March 10 and 11, and the most recent on April 3, 2025.
The case has been adjourned to April 17, 2025.
The command clarified that all the detainees were admitted into custody with valid remand warrants issued by a competent court, thus nullifying claims of unlawful incarceration.
“No one can be admitted into any custodial centre in Nigeria without a valid warrant from a competent court of jurisdiction; on this note, they are not in our custody illegally,” the statement read.
The correctional facility described the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre as one of the most peaceful in the country, urging the public to disregard the reports, which it said were intended to stir unrest.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Service, Tombara said under the leadership of the acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the NCoS remains dedicated to the humane custody, reformation, and reintegration of all legally held inmates.
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