The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Bayelsa State Command has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding the illegal detention of 15 domestic staff members of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.
In a statement issued by ASC I G.T. Isari, the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS Bayelsa Command, the Service strongly refuted the rumors which suggested that the individuals in question were being held unlawfully at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre.
These claims also alleged that the 15 individuals, who are reportedly facing theft charges, have been detained without trial since 2019. Furthermore, there were accusations of a secret meeting between Dame Patience Jonathan and senior correctional officials in Bayelsa, which the NCoS categorically denied.
“These statements are unfounded and are being spread to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service,” said the NCoS statement, urging the public to disregard the misleading reports.
The correctional service clarified that the 15 individuals were lawfully remanded in custody by the High Court 1 of Bayelsa State. They have been attending their trial hearings as scheduled, with the most recent sessions taking place on March 10 and 11, 2025, and April 3, 2025.
The next hearing is set for April 17, 2025. According to the NCoS, the individuals are being treated fairly and humanely, and their fundamental human rights have been respected throughout their detention.
It was further noted that no person can be admitted to any custodial center in Nigeria without a valid court-issued remand warrant. The NCoS emphasized that the legal process was followed in the admission of these individuals.
The statement also reassured the public that the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre is one of the most peaceful facilities in the country, refuting the claims made in the fabricated reports. The NCoS called on the public to disregard such misinformation, which it believes is intended to stir unnecessary tension.
