Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has launched a scathing attack on former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, insisting that she belongs behind bars over her questionable ownership of jewellery worth N750 million — not the 15 domestic workers who have been rotting in detention for over six years without trial.
Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement and a fierce anti-corruption advocate, made this explosive assertion via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. He questioned how the former First Lady could afford such lavish luxury, while pointing out the absurdity of her ordering the arrest and prolonged detention of 15 staff members over the alleged theft of the jewellery.
“Former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan has detained 15 domestic staff members for over six years while awaiting trial for allegedly stealing N750 million worth of jewellery from her. Where did she even get the funds to purchase such jewellery in the first place?” Sowore posted.
He continued: “Nigeria appears to be the only country where people who have looted the public treasury have the audacity to arrest others for allegedly stealing a fraction of what they themselves stole from the people.”
According to SaharaReporters, the 15 domestic workers have been incarcerated at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019 — without a conviction or a fair trial. Their case has reportedly been repeatedly stalled under the influence of the former First Lady, with no end in sight.
In a shocking revelation, sources told SaharaReporters that the workers were arrested following a reported case of burglary in one of Patience Jonathan’s apartments in Otuoke. Despite the fact that the accused individuals were not assigned to the residence at the time of the alleged incident, she ordered the arrest of all her domestic staff.
A relative of one of the detained workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as a gross abuse of power and a miscarriage of justice. “It’s been six years and they haven’t even had a chance to defend themselves in court. These are innocent people being punished for a crime that hasn’t been proven,” the relative said.
Legal experts and rights advocates have slammed the continued detention as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution. Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution affirms that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, while Section 35 safeguards the right to personal liberty — emphasizing that no individual should be held beyond a reasonable period without trial.
Sowore did not mince words as he vowed to pursue justice for the forgotten detainees.
“We must do everything possible to secure their release from this unjust prosecution. Patience Jonathan should be the one facing prison time, not these innocent workers,” he declared.
Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, served as First Lady of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. Her tenure was marked by lavish spending and frequent controversies. However, this case—where domestic workers have been effectively silenced and punished while she remains untouched—adds a disturbing chapter to her legacy.
With mounting calls for an independent investigation and renewed legal action, Nigerians are once again asking tough questions about who really gets punished in a country plagued by inequality, elite impunity, and selective justice.
PIONEER NEWS 