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Bayelsa Correctional Service Speaks On Illegal Detention Of Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Aides

Published

2 weeks ago

Apr 6, 2025.

Detention Of Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Aides

NCoS dismisses claims of illegal detention of Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Aides
Detainees lawfully remanded with valid court orders, says NCoS.
Public urged to disregard misleading reports on Bayelsa facility.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Bayelsa State has firmly refuted allegations that former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, illegally detained 15 of her ex-domestic staff at the Okaka Custodial Centre.

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Reports had circulated claiming that the 15 individuals had been held without due process since 2019 over accusations of stealing valuables including seven gold bangles, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, reportedly valued at N200 million. They were also alleged to be facing 18 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and burglary.

However, the NCoS described these claims as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the service. In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Okaka Custodial Centre, Isari Gbosi Tombara, dismissed the allegations as “unfounded.”

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Tombara also addressed speculation of a supposed closed-door meeting between Patience Jonathan and senior officials of the correctional service in Bayelsa, categorically stating that no such meeting occurred.

He reassured the public that the detained staff have been treated with dignity and that their fundamental human rights have been respected at all times.

“They were in court on the 10th and 11th of March 2025, and again on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, when the matter was adjourned to 17th April 2025,” Tombara disclosed.

He emphasized that no individual can be admitted into any custodial centre in Nigeria without a valid remand warrant from a competent court, affirming that the detained individuals were properly remanded under lawful court orders.

“The command noted that no one can be admitted into any custodial centre in Nigeria without a valid warrant from a competent court of jurisdiction; on this note, they are not in our custody illegally,” the statement read.

Tombara further assured that the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre remains peaceful and orderly, urging the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.

The NCoS reiterated its commitment to maintaining the safe and humane custody of all legally detained persons. Under the leadership of the acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the service remains dedicated to the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates into society.

Detention Of Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Aides

The service concluded by advising the public to ignore misleading information, stressing that its operations are transparent, lawful, and aimed at upholding justice.