A new hearing date has been set in the long-running trial of former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan after weeks of delays and growing public attention.
A source familiar with the case told SaharaReporters, “The new date is May 22. The Chief Judge later surrendered to the pressure from the media.”
The update comes amid claims by relatives of the detained workers, who accuse authorities in Bayelsa State of interfering with the judicial process to keep the accused in custody.
The workers have been in detention since 2019 over allegations that they stole jewellery said to belong to the former First Lady. According to reports, they have also faced renewed intimidation, especially after recent media coverage highlighted their situation.
A family source alleged that prison officials increased threats against the detainees, claiming there were instructions from the state government to keep them locked up indefinitely and to prevent the chief judge from handling the case.
The source also suggested that the delays may be politically driven, alleging that powerful figures connected to the former First Lady could be influencing the process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The case has lasted for over five years and has reached a stage at which the defendants were expected to present their defence. However, repeated adjournments, the absence of the presiding judge, and failure to set hearing dates have slowed progress.
Family members insist the prosecution has not proven its case, arguing that key confessions were forced.
Some defendants earlier told the court they were tortured during interrogation.
The prolonged detention has affected the health of the accused. One of them, Sahabi Liman, died after his condition worsened while in custody, raising concerns about prison conditions.
“My father was granted bail about three years ago to treat himself. At some point, he improved, but his condition worsened again,” his son said.
“I was with him the night before he died. Around midnight, we got a call that he had passed away.”
Family members blamed his death on the physical and emotional stress caused by the long detention without resolution. Sources also said several of the remaining defendants are dealing with serious health issues and have limited access to proper medical care.
Fifteen domestic workers were arrested in 2019 over claims that they stole jewellery reportedly worth hundreds of millions of naira. Since then, one has died, while the others remain in custody, still denying the allegations.
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