The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has intervened in the prolonged legal battle involving Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and 15 of her former domestic staff who have remained in detention for six years over allegations of theft.
The individuals—Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima—were arraigned before the Bayelsa State High Court in 2019.
They were accused of stealing luxury items reportedly belonging to the former First Lady, including seven gold bangles and assorted jewellery, five Samsung air conditioning units, two sets of upholstered furniture, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at ₦200 million.
The charges filed against them included 18 counts, ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, burglary, and theft.
NBA Moves to Facilitate Resolution
A senior official of the NBA, who spoke anonymously to The Punch, revealed that the association had initiated dialogue with all major stakeholders involved in the matter. These include the legal counsel to Patience Jonathan, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Attorney General of the state.
“We have reached out to the former First Lady and her legal representatives,” the official confirmed. “We are also engaging with the Attorney General of Bayelsa State, who has assured us he will look into the matter. The aim is to find a resolution to this issue, which has lingered unnecessarily and is attracting public concern.”
The NBA has also been in close communication with its Yenagoa branch to coordinate legal interventions and ensure the proper steps are taken to accelerate proceedings.
Complex Legal Delays and Human Factors
The source acknowledged that several factors have contributed to the delays in resolving the case. These include the involvement of multiple defendants represented by different lawyers, each requiring time to cross-examine witnesses, thereby slowing down the judicial process. In one instance, proceedings were reportedly delayed due to one of the accused giving birth during the trial.
“There are numerous legal teams, which makes the trial cumbersome,” the NBA official noted. “In addition, defence lawyers requested a trial-within-trial, further extending the timeline.”
Despite the challenges, the NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights of all parties and pursuing a fair and timely resolution.
“This case has lingered long enough. We are determined to ensure that justice is served, not just for the defendants, but also for the complainant,” the official stated.
