A lawyer representing some former domestic staff of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, Funmi Adedoyin, has raised alarm over the prolonged trial and continued detention of her clients at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State over allegations of theft.
The case, which began in 2019 at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, has now been adjourned 42 times, including two recent dates—June 25 and 26—postponed due to the abduction of trial judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, on June 21 near an eatery in the state capital.
The defendants face serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, burglary, and stealing.
Items allegedly stolen include seven gold bangles, other jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, six flat-screen TVs, and two sets of upholstered furniture, all reportedly worth N200 million.
Those charged include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.
Adedoyin, speaking with Saturday PUNCH, expressed concern that the accused have been in prison for six years without meaningful progress in their trial.
“We are not happy about these delays. The trial has been adjourned over 40 times, and it’s taking a toll on the defendants. Our team remains committed to pursuing justice and will continue legal advocacy until it is served,” she said.
She also cited the recent court disruptions caused by the judge’s abduction as further delaying justice. “The court didn’t sit during the last adjournments. It’s now a challenge to even get a new date.
The judiciary in Bayelsa is observing solidarity over the judge’s kidnap.”
Adding to the growing frustration, Gladys Achese, sister to one of the detainees, voiced her disappointment at the stalled proceedings. “It’s heartbreaking.
The court hasn’t sat for weeks, and with the August break coming, we don’t even know when next the case will be heard. We’re losing time and hope.”
The continued delays have drawn criticism from rights advocates, with calls growing for a timely and fair resolution to the long-running case.
A lawyer representing some former domestic staff of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, Funmi Adedoyin, has raised alarm over the prolonged trial and continued detention of her clients at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State over allegations of theft.
The case, which began in 2019 at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, has now been adjourned 42 times, including two recent dates—June 25 and 26—postponed due to the abduction of trial judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, on June 21 near an eatery in the state capital.
The defendants face serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, burglary, and stealing.
Items allegedly stolen include seven gold bangles, other jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, six flat-screen TVs, and two sets of upholstered furniture, all reportedly worth N200 million.
Those charged include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.
Adedoyin, speaking with Saturday PUNCH, expressed concern that the accused have been in prison for six years without meaningful progress in their trial.
“We are not happy about these delays. The trial has been adjourned over 40 times, and it’s taking a toll on the defendants. Our team remains committed to pursuing justice and will continue legal advocacy until it is served,” she said.
She also cited the recent court disruptions caused by the judge’s abduction as further delaying justice. “The court didn’t sit during the last adjournments. It’s now a challenge to even get a new date.
The judiciary in Bayelsa is observing solidarity over the judge’s kidnap.”
Adding to the growing frustration, Gladys Achese, sister to one of the detainees, voiced her disappointment at the stalled proceedings. “It’s heartbreaking.
The court hasn’t sat for weeks, and with the August break coming, we don’t even know when next the case will be heard. We’re losing time and hope.”
The continued delays have drawn criticism from rights advocates, with calls growing for a timely and fair resolution to the long-running case.