₦airaland Forum

For the rest, since beneath the surface of most Nigerian conflicts will be found inordinate greed for public resources, it is perhaps pertinent to remind ourselves that Oil is not the only marvel to emerge from the Delta swamps. There are also exotic creatures – mermaids, manatees, even mammy watas and hippopotami. However, unlike crude oil, which can be refined, you can extract a hippopotamus from the swamps, but you cannot take the swamp out of the hippopotamus.
- Wole SOYINKA

UltraSolid:
The most fearsome abuser of power in Nigeria is an illiterate with money and influence. Like PEJ. This is why Prof Soyinka called the terrible and crude woman a Hippopotamus that cannot be extracted from the swamp. She cannot be "refined".

boxypane:
Faces Of 12 Of The 15 Domestic Workers Held In Prison Since 2019 By Patience Jonathan Over Missing Jewellery
PHOTO STORY: Faces Of 12 Of The 15 Domestic Workers Held In Prison Since 2019 By Patience Jonathan Over Missing Jewellery
April 3, 2025
News
Exclusive
SaharaReporters exclusively obtained photos of 12 of the domestic workers who have been imprisoned for nearly six years.

In a blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on the presumption of innocence, former First Lady Patience Jonathan has kept 15 of her domestic staff locked up in Bayelsa State’s Okaka Correctional Centre since 2019 over an unproven case of robbery.

SaharaReporters gathered that these workers have been rotting behind bars without a court conviction, as their trial has been repeatedly stalled on the orders of the influential former First Lady.

SaharaReporters exclusively obtained photos of 12 of the domestic workers who have been imprisoned for nearly six years.
They include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson.

The remaining three—Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima
Credit: Sahara Reporters.

ozo13:
I hope this isn't true.
And oga Jonathan been dey advise others about constitutional inadequacies just few days ago and his own wife dey behind am dey do rascality up and down and oga ex president can't call his wife to order.

ivandragon:
And if eventually they are pronounced not guilty, mama peace must be made to pay restitution for the time they were illegally locked up.

Also, the security agencies in nigeria need serious overhaul starting with the dismissal of all officers who actively aided and abetted the illegal detention of these people.

When those in positions of authority know they will be held accountable for thier actions, they are more likely to do the right thing.

helinues:
I still don't want to believe this news

Xisnin:
Restitution for what?
It is a case of Nigerian police vs some suspects.
I never knew Patience was the IPO, commissioner or IG.


The problem with this emotional response is that it only works for a particular case and then the issue continues
without considering the underlying problem.
Without any evidence you declared their detention illegal like most Nigerians do.
So, any opportunity to reform is lost because you guys assume their detention is already illegal
so nothing to change.
But their detention is completely legal even though unfortunate.


There is no account here.
Were they detained according to a court order?
Absolutely, so unless you plan on getting the judge removed, nobody can be held for anything.

Majority of those awaiting trial for long time in jail have nothing to do with politicians
or powerful people.
Just a case of two fighting can cost a person up to 2 years in jail awaiting trial if not properly managed by the suspect
or the suspect is too poor to afford a lawyer.

ozo13:
I hope this isn't true.
And oga Jonathan been dey advise others about constitutional inadequacies just few days ago and his own wife dey behind am dey do rascality up and down and oga ex president can't call his wife to order.

helinues:
I still don't want to believe this news

ivandragon:
Emotional? Maybe. But you have responded without the benefit of intellect.

The story clearly states that thier trial has been repeated stalled. Who is stalling the trial? The Judges?

Do you think is it reasonable and humane for people to be locked up without trial for 6 years?

I have stated that the NBA should take up the case and the necessary legal processes done, so I don't see how you have made any meaningful contribution to my submission other than seeming to support such despicable act.

allthingsgood:
Don't worry, karma will soon locate you. So that you will also enjoy a taste of your own medicine.

Xisnin:
His wife is not a judge and neither is she a president or governor.
Nobody can hold another in jail, only the police and the court can.

ozo13:
I hope this isn't true.
And oga Jonathan been dey advise others about constitutional inadequacies just few days ago and his own wife dey behind am dey do rascality up and down and oga ex president can't call his wife to order.