Yenagoa, April 7, 2025 – The Bayelsa State Prison Command has debunked allegations that former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, ordered the illegal detention of 15 former domestic staff at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The ex-workers were said to have been held in custody since 2019 over the alleged theft of luxury gold items and other valuables estimated to be worth over N500 million. Reports also claimed they faced an 18-count charge ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, felony, and burglary.
However, spokesperson for the prison command, Isari Tombara, described the claims as baseless and aimed at damaging the reputation of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“There was no secret meeting between Dame Patience Jonathan and top prison officials as alleged. The report is false and misleading,” Tombara stated.
He further clarified that the detainees were not being held illegally, stressing that their remand was backed by valid court warrants.
He added that the detainees appeared in court as recently as April 3, 2025, with their next appearance scheduled for April 17, 2025.
“No one can be held in any correctional facility in Nigeria without a valid court order. These individuals were remanded with legal warrants,” Tombara added.
He also emphasized that the Okaka Custodial Centre remains one of the most peaceful in the country and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
“These reports are meant to incite unrest where there is peace. The inmates are treated humanely and their rights respected,” he said.
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