Fresh Twist in Patience Jonathan Domestic Staff Trial as Court Sets New Date Amid Allegations of Political Pressure

The long-running criminal trial involving former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan has taken another turn, with a new hearing date set after repeated delays that have kept the case in limbo for years.

A source familiar with the proceedings confirmed that the next court sitting has been scheduled for May 22. According to the source, “The new date is May 22. The Chief Judge later surrendered to the pressure from the media.”

The case, which has dragged on since 2019, centres on allegations that the defendants stole jewellery said to belong to the former First Lady. Fifteen domestic workers were originally arrested and have remained in custody ever since.

Families of the accused allege that the prolonged detention is not just legal delay but the result of external influence. They claim officials in Bayelsa State have interfered with the judicial process to ensure the defendants remain behind bars.

Some relatives also allege that prison authorities have increased pressure on the detainees following renewed media scrutiny, with claims of instructions to keep them in custody indefinitely.

The accusations extend further, with suggestions that powerful political interests linked to the case may be influencing proceedings ahead of the 2027 election cycle. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.

The trial has stalled multiple times due to adjournments, missing court appearances, and delays in assigning consistent hearing dates. As a result, the case has yet to move into a full defence stage despite years of proceedings.

Defence arguments maintain that the prosecution has failed to prove its allegations. Some of the accused previously told the court they were subjected to torture during interrogation, claims that have added further controversy to the case.

The human cost of the prolonged detention has also become a central concern. One of the defendants, Sahabi Liman, died in custody after his health reportedly deteriorated over time.

His son described the emotional toll, saying he had seen his father shortly before his death. “I was with him the night before he died. Around midnight, we got a call that he had passed away,” he said.

He also said his father had been granted bail years earlier for medical treatment, but his condition worsened while still in custody, raising concerns about access to healthcare in detention facilities.

Family members of the remaining defendants say several detainees are now battling serious health challenges and lack adequate medical attention, intensifying calls for the case to be resolved.

As the new hearing date approaches, the trial continues to draw public attention over issues of justice, prolonged detention, and the broader question of fairness in Nigeria’s judicial system.