The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has debunked reports alleging that former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is illegally detaining 15 of her former domestic staff at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yenagoa.
The reports claimed that the staff had been held in custody since 2019 over the alleged theft of gold jewelry and other valuables worth over N500 million. The affected individuals were also reportedly facing an 18-count charge, including conspiracy to commit murder, felony, and burglary.
However, spokesperson for the Bayelsa Command, Isari Tombara, on Sunday described the allegations as “unfounded” and aimed at maligning the integrity of the correctional service.
“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,” Tombara said, referring to claims of a secret meeting between Dame Jonathan and prison authorities.
He emphasized that the inmates in question are in lawful custody, having been remanded with valid warrants from a competent court. “No one can be admitted into any prison custody in Nigeria without a valid warrant. On this note, they are not in our custody illegally,” he said.
Tombara further stated that the detainees have consistently been treated with dignity and fairness. “They were in court on March 10 and 11, 2025, and the last appearance was on April 3, 2025. The matter has been adjourned to April 17, 2025,” he noted.
He described the Okaka Custodial Centre as one of the most peaceful in the country and urged the public to disregard the reports, which he said were aimed at inciting unnecessary tension.
“The command remains committed to upholding the rights of all inmates and maintaining peace within its facilities,” Tombara added.
Bayelsa Prison Denies Allegation of Illegal Detention of Patience Jonathan’s Former Staff
The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has debunked reports alleging that former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is illegally detaining 15 of her former domestic staff at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yenagoa.
The reports claimed that the staff had been held in custody since 2019 over the alleged theft of gold jewelry and other valuables worth over N500 million. The affected individuals were also reportedly facing an 18-count charge, including conspiracy to commit murder, felony, and burglary.
However, spokesperson for the Bayelsa Command, Isari Tombara, on Sunday described the allegations as “unfounded” and aimed at maligning the integrity of the correctional service.
“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,” Tombara said, referring to claims of a secret meeting between Dame Jonathan and prison authorities.
He emphasized that the inmates in question are in lawful custody, having been remanded with valid warrants from a competent court. “No one can be admitted into any prison custody in Nigeria without a valid warrant. On this note, they are not in our custody illegally,” he said.
Tombara further stated that the detainees have consistently been treated with dignity and fairness. “They were in court on March 10 and 11, 2025, and the last appearance was on April 3, 2025. The matter has been adjourned to April 17, 2025,” he noted.
He described the Okaka Custodial Centre as one of the most peaceful in the country and urged the public to disregard the reports, which he said were aimed at inciting unnecessary tension.
“The command remains committed to upholding the rights of all inmates and maintaining peace within its facilities,” Tombara added.
