The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa state command, has denied allegations that ex-first lady Patience Jonathan illegally detained 15 of her former domestic staff at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa.
There were reports that the workers have been in detention illegally since 2019 over the alleged theft of seven gold bangles and jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions valued at N200 million.
They were also reportedly slammed with 18 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony, and burglary.
But in a statement on Sunday, Isari Gbosi Tombara, the custodial centre’s spokesperson, said the claims are “unfounded and being spread to tarnish the good image of the Service”.
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Tombara said there were also claims of a closed door meeting between the former first lady and top correctional officers of the NCoS in Bayelsa.
He said there was no such meeting between the former first lady and top officials of the command as speculated.
The spokesperson added that the inmates “have also been treated fairly and humanely while in custody” and their fundamental human rights have been respected.
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“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 17th of April 2025,” the statement reads.
“The command noted that no one can be admitted into any custodial centre in Nigeria without a valid warrant from a competent court of jurisdiction; on this note, they are not in our custody illegally as they were all accompanied with valid remand warrants from the court.
“The Nigerian Correctional service 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.”
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The command assured that the service under the leadership of Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, acting controller general of corrections, is poised to ensure the safe and humane custody of all legally interned persons as well as their effective reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration into the larger society.
