Patience Jonathan domestic workers trial delay continues as court fixes May 22 hearing date amid claims of prolonged detention and interference

A new hearing date has been fixed in the long-running trial involving former domestic workers of Nigeria’s ex-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, following weeks of adjournments and renewed public scrutiny over the case.

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Ongoing delay in Patience Jonathan domestic workers case continues to draw attention after a source familiar with proceedings confirmed that the matter has now been scheduled for 22 May, with allegations emerging that judicial pressure influenced the latest development.

According to the source, the Chief Judge reportedly intervened following sustained media attention surrounding the case, which has remained unresolved since 2019.

The defendants, who have been in custody for over five years, are standing trial over allegations of stealing jewellery said to belong to the former First Lady, a claim they have consistently denied.

Relatives of the detained workers have accused authorities in Bayelsa State of interference in the judicial process, alleging that efforts are being made to prolong their detention despite the absence of a concluded trial.

Family members further claimed that repeated adjournments, absence of the presiding judge, and administrative delays have stalled the case, preventing the defendants from formally presenting their defence.

They also alleged that some confessions tendered in court were obtained under duress, with claims of torture during interrogation forming part of the defence narrative.

The prolonged detention has reportedly taken a severe toll on the accused, with one of the defendants, Sahabi Liman, dying in custody after his health deteriorated.

A family member described the circumstances surrounding his death as distressing, saying he had been on bail for medical treatment but suffered a relapse before passing away in custody.

Concerns have also been raised over the condition of the remaining detainees, with reports indicating worsening health challenges and limited access to adequate medical care.

Fifteen domestic workers were initially arrested in 2019 over allegations of stealing jewellery valued at hundreds of millions of naira, but the case has since faced repeated delays, leaving most of the accused still in custody.

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The case is now expected to resume on 22 May, as stakeholders continue to watch closely amid growing calls for expedited justice.