The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa State Command, has refuted reports alleging that former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, was involved in the illegal detention of 15 of her former domestic staff at the Okaka Custodial Centre. The command described the claims as false and an attempt to tarnish the image of the Service.
The allegations, which surfaced recently, stated that the domestic workers had been in custody since 2019 over the alleged theft of valuables including seven gold bangles, jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions reportedly valued at N200 million. They were also said to be facing 18 counts related to conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony, and burglary.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, Isari Gbosi Tombara, spokesperson of the custodial centre, dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and being spread to tarnish the good image of the Service.” Tombara also addressed rumours of a closed-door meeting between the former first lady and senior officers of the NCoS in Bayelsa, asserting that no such meeting took place.
“The inmates have also been treated fairly and humanely while in custody,” the statement said. “Their fundamental human rights have been respected.”
Tombara confirmed that the detainees had appeared in court on March 10 and 11, and again on April 3, 2025, with the case adjourned to April 17, 2025. He stressed that all individuals held at the custodial centre were committed there legally. “No one can be admitted into any custodial centre in Nigeria without a valid warrant from a competent court of jurisdiction. On this note, they are not in our custody illegally as they were all accompanied with valid remand warrants from the court,” he said.
The command also reassured the public that the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okaka remains one of the most peaceful in the country. “Hence, they should discountenance the said reports as they are intended to cause chaos where none exists.”
The NCoS further reiterated its commitment under the leadership of Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to uphold the safe and humane custody of all lawfully detained persons, as well as ensure their effective reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
