NCoS denies illegal detention of Patience Jonathan’s 15 domestic staff over missing jewellery

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa State Command has dismissed as false and misleading, reports circulating on social media alleging the illegal detention of 15 domestic staff of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka. There were reports that the workers have been in detention […]

General Apr 6, 2025 0 9 Add to Reading List

NCoS denies illegal detention of Patience Jonathan’s 15 domestic staff over missing jewellery

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa State Command has dismissed as false and misleading, reports circulating on social media alleging the illegal detention of 15 domestic staff of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka.

There were reports that the workers have been in detention illegally since 2019 over the alleged theft of seven gold bangles and jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions valued at N200 million.

They were also reportedly slammed with 18 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony, and burglary.

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However, in a statement on Sunday, the Okaka Custodial Centre spokesman, Isari Gbosi Tombara, described the reports as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the service.

“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.

Tombara added that the inmates were legally remanded by competent courts and had not been denied their fundamental rights.

The statement added, “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.”

He also stressed that no inmate can be held without a valid remand warrant, noting that the Okaka facility remains one of the most peaceful in the country.

“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 added.

The command also reiterated its commitment to the safe, humane custody and rehabilitation of inmates, in line with the directives of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.