The Bayelsa State command of the Nigerian correctional centre has denied allegations that 15 ex staffs of Former first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan are being illegally detained.
Report has it that about 15 former domestic workers of the former first lady were illegally detained from 2019 for missing gold jewelry that belonged to her(Patience Jonathan).
However, the spokesperson of Okaka Custodial Centre, Isari Gbosi Tombara, who debunked the claims in a statement on Sunday, described it as “unfounded” and “aimed at tarnishing the image of the centre”.
He stressed that those detained were not denied their fundamental rights and their detention follows legal procedures by competent courts.
“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,” the statement read.
Speaking on claims that Patience met with too officials of the centre in private, Tombara said;
“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 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 read.
Read Also: 2027 : Peter Obi Visits Former President Jonathan, Details of Discussion Revealed (Photos)
