The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has rejected allegations that former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is behind the illegal detention of 15 of her ex-domestic workers at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yenagoa.

Recent reports alleged that the individuals have been held unlawfully since 2019 over accusations of stealing expensive gold ornaments and other valuables reportedly valued at over N500 million. The former employees are said to be facing an 18-count charge, which includes conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and burglary.

However, in response to the allegations, the command’s spokesperson, Isari Tombara, dismissed the reports as baseless and misleading, accusing those behind the claims of attempting to smear the reputation of the correctional service.

Tombara also addressed rumors that Dame Patience Jonathan had engaged in a secret meeting with senior prison officials regarding the case. “To be clear, there was no such meeting between the former First Lady and any high-ranking personnel of the command, contrary to the fabricated stories making rounds,” he stated.

He went on to emphasize that the inmates in question are being held in line with established legal procedures and that they are being treated fairly while in custody. According to him, the detainees’ rights have been fully respected throughout their detention period. He confirmed that the accused individuals appeared in court on March 10 and 11, 2025, and most recently on April 3, 2025. The case has been adjourned to April 17, 2025.

Tombara made it clear that no individual can be committed to a correctional facility in Nigeria without the appropriate legal documentation. “Each of the inmates was admitted into custody with valid remand warrants issued by a competent court. Therefore, their detention is lawful,” he asserted.

He also reassured the public of the professionalism and integrity of the command, adding that the Okaka facility remains one of the most stable and well-managed prisons in the country. According to him, the prison operates peacefully and adheres strictly to the rules guiding custodial procedures and the rights of inmates.