Former Nigerian’s First lady, Patience Jonathan has come under heavy criticism following continuous incarceration of fifteen domestic staff over unproven accusations of theft.
TheNewsGuru reports that the staff have reportedly been languishing in Bayelsa State’s Okaka Correctional Centre without a court conviction, as their trial has been delayed repeatedly, allegedly under the orders of the influential former First Lady.
The report indicated that the staffs had been incarcerated without a competent court trial for an alleged robbery case involving Patience Jonathan’s jewellery.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the workers remained behind bars despite the years that have passed due to the continuous postponement of their trial, which is said to be on Jonathan’s direct instructions.
“Since 2019, former First Lady Patience Jonathan has locked up about 16 of her domestic staff in Okaka Prison for allegedly stealing her jewellery, without first allowing a competent court of law to try them and sentence them,” a source stated.
Following the revelation, several Nigerians have slammed the Mrs Jonathan, questioning where she got the funds to buy jewelry valued at ₦750 million.
Sowore said that Nigeria is the only country where alleged public treasury looters have the audacity to arrest others accused of stealing a portion of the funds they looted from the public treasury.
He wrote, “Former Nigerian first lady Patience Jonathan has detained 15 domestic staff members for over six years while awaiting trial for allegedly stealing N750m worth of jewelry from her.
“Where did she she get the funds to purchase jewelry valued at N750 million?
“Nigeria appears to be the only country where alleged public treasury looters have the audacity to arrest others accused of stealing a portion of the funds they themselves looted from the public treasury.
“We must do everything to get them released from unjustified prosecution. Patience Jonathan should be the one in prison.”
An X user, Maria wrote: “Where Patience Goodluck Jonathan get money to buy N750 million jewelry Nigerians no go ask the question abi una no know say the president gets paid a salary. Yeye Rulers!!!!”
Mr Macaroni condemned the injustice perpetrated against the domestic staffs by the former First Lady, saying the staff members are all innocent until proven guilty by law.
He wrote: “The injustice in this country is so painful!!! According to reports, these men and women have been locked up by Former First Lady Patience Jonathan for over five years over a missing jewelry without a court conviction!! Does Madam Patience even remember that they are still in Prison??? We must stand against this pattern of abus!ng power that allows rich or influential people lock up others because they cannot speak or fight for themselves. By law, they are innocent until proven guilty.”
Steve wrote: “Where she get the 750million to buy that jewelry at the first place?….oloshi calling out oloriburuku.”