Nigerian Correctional Service denies illegal detention of Patience Jonathan’s ex-staff

The Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command, on Sunday denied reports that 15 former domestic staff of the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are being held illegally at the Okaka Custodial Centre.

A statement by the spokesperson for Okaka Custodial Centre, Isari Tombara, described the reports as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the service.

It read: “The rumour has been in circulation, purporting that the former first lady detained the said domestic staff since 2019 for theft, and that there was a closed-door meeting between the former first lady and top correctional officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command.

“These statements are unfounded and being spread in order to tarnish the good image of the Service.”

It was learnt that the inmates were facing prosecution over the alleged theft of jewellery, home appliances and electronics worth N200 million.

Tombara added that the inmates were legally remanded by competent courts and had not been denied their fundamental rights.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the service categorically states that there was no such meeting between the former first lady and top officials of the command as concocted in the reports.

“Also, the said inmates were remanded in custody by the High Court 1 of Bayelsa State and have been attending trials at and as when due.

“They were in court on the 10th and 11th of March 2025, and the last time they attended court was Thursday, 3rd April 2025, where the matter was adjourned to the 17th of April 2025.

“The said inmates have also been treated fairly and humanely while in custody, and their fundamental human rights are respected,” the statement added.

It also stressed that no inmate can be held without a valid remand warrant, noting that the Okaka facility remains one of the most peaceful in the country.

“The public is further informed that the command is peaceful and that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, remains one of the most peaceful custodial facilities in the country.

“Hence, they should discountenance the said reports as they are intended to cause chaos where none exists,” the statement added.

The statement reiterated the command’s commitment to the safe, humane custody and rehabilitation of inmates.