The Nigerian Correctional Service, Bayelsa State Command, has refuted claims that 15 former domestic staff of former First Lady Patience Jonathan are being unlawfully detained at the Okaka Custodial Centre.
In a statement released on Sunday, Isari Gbosi Tombara, the spokesman for the Okaka Custodial Centre, labeled the reports as untrue and intended to damage the reputation of the correctional 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.
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The individuals in question have been detained since 2019, facing 18 charges that include conspiracy to commit murder, burglary, and other serious offenses, related to the alleged theft of gold jewelry, home appliances, and electronics valued at N200 million.
Tombara clarified that these individuals were lawfully remanded by authorized courts and have not been deprived of their basic human 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 further emphasized that all inmates held at the facility have been lawfully detained with valid remand warrants, highlighting that the Okaka Custodial Centre continues to be one of the most stable and peaceful correctional facilities nationwide.
“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 Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service also reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safe and humane treatment of inmates, as well as their rehabilitation, in accordance with the instructions of the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
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