The Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command, has denied reports that 15 former domestic staff of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are being held illegally at the Okaka Custodial Centre.
In a statement on Sunday, the Okaka Custodial Centre spokesman, Isari Gbosi Tombara, described the reports as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the service.
“The rumour has been in circulation, purporting that the former first lady detained the said domestic staff since 2019 for theft, and that there was a closed-door meeting between the former first lady and top correctional officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command.
“These statements are unfounded and being spread in order to tarnish the good image of the Service,” the statement read.
PUNCH Online reports that the inmates were detained since 2019 over the alleged theft of gold jewellery, home appliances and electronics said to be worth N200m.
PUNCH Online also reports that they faced 18 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, burglary, and other felonies.
Tombara added that the inmates were legally remanded by competent courts and had not been denied their fundamental rights.
The statement added, “For the avoidance of doubt, the service categorically states that there was no such meeting between the former first lady and top officials of the command as concocted in the reports. Also, the said inmates were remanded in custody by the High Court 1 of Bayelsa State and have been attending trials at and as when due.
“They were in court on the 10th and 11th of March 2025, and the last time they attended court was Thursday, 3rd April 2025, where the matter was adjourned to the 17th of April 2025. The said inmates have also been treated fairly and humanely while in custody, and their fundamental human rights are respected.”
He also stressed that no inmate can be held without a valid remand warrant, noting that the Okaka facility remains one of the most peaceful in the country.
“The public is further informed that the command is peaceful and that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, remains one of the most peaceful custodial facilities in the country.
“Hence, they should discountenance the said reports as they are intended to cause chaos where none exists,” the statement added.
The command also reiterated its commitment to the safe, humane custody and rehabilitation of inmates, in line with the directives of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
