The trial of former domestic workers of ex First Lady Patience Jonathan has suffered another setback after the prosecution counsel reportedly failed to appear before the Bayelsa State High Court on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The development has further delayed the conclusion of a case involving workers who have been in detention since 2019 over allegations relating to the theft of jewellery and other valuables.
The matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude its case but could not proceed because the prosecution counsel was absent. The defence had expected to complete its case at Tuesday’s sitting, but the latest development means the defendants will have to wait for another hearing date.
No fresh date had reportedly been fixed as of Tuesday.
The case has been before the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa for several years and has been affected by repeated adjournments.
Reports published earlier in 2025 said the matter had been adjourned more than 40 times. The case was still ongoing in 2026, with the defendants at the stage of presenting their defence.
The workers were brought before the court in 2019 over allegations connected to the disappearance of jewellery and other valuables belonging to Patience Jonathan.
Previous reports identified the defendants as 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 Liman.
They were accused of stealing seven gold bangles and other jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs and six Samsung flat screen televisions. Earlier reports put the value of the allegedly stolen items at about N200 million.
The defendants have denied the allegations. Some of them also told the court that statements allegedly obtained from them during investigations were extracted through torture and coercion, claims that have been contested in the proceedings.
The prolonged case has attracted attention from lawyers and rights advocates because of the length of time the defendants have spent in custody without a final determination of the allegations against them.
In April 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association was reported to have intervened in the matter, with an NBA official saying the association was engaging Patience Jonathan over the prolonged detention of the former workers.
The case also suffered a significant loss in September 2025 when Sahabi Liman, one of the defendants, died after battling illness. Reports said he had previously been granted bail for medical treatment after his health deteriorated while in detention.
In March 2026, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism reported that the remaining defendants were still presenting their defence, with the case having remained unresolved about seven years after their detention began.
The latest reported delay now leaves the remaining defendants waiting for another opportunity to conclude their defence as the long running case continues before the Bayelsa State High Court.
As of September 22, 2026, the matter had not been concluded and no new hearing date had reportedly been announced.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
