Fresh allegations have emerged against the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, over claims that she is deliberately stalling the trial of 14 domestic workers formerly employed by ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan. The workers have been in detention since 2019.
Court insiders speaking to SaharaReporters on Tuesday described a disturbing pattern of repeated adjournments, absenteeism by the presiding judge, and what appears to be a calculated attempt to delay the trial—possibly until after Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
At the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, frustration among staff, observers, and legal practitioners boiled over after proceedings were again stalled due to the judge’s absence.
“It is only the first defendant, Golden Vivian, who has concluded her defence,” one court official revealed. “Today, the case did not proceed because the judge did not show up. This is the third such delay in 2026 alone. It is becoming a troubling pattern.”
Another insider expressed anger at the perceived deliberate delays. “There are reports of a plan at the top to postpone this case until after the 2027 elections. These inmates are exhausted. Some were in tears in court today when they realized the matter would not be heard again. Justice delayed here is clearly justice denied.”
Concerns deepened as no new date has been fixed for the continuation of the trial, leaving the defendants in limbo. “As we speak, the case is indefinitely postponed. Only one defendant has completed her defence, while the rest are still waiting for the opportunity to present their side,” the official said.
The prolonged legal battle has already had tragic consequences. SaharaReporters had earlier reported the death of Sahabi Liman, one of the defendants, whose health deteriorated during his incarceration. Liman was granted bail on medical grounds after years at the Okaka Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, but later died in a hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His family blamed his death on the prolonged detention without trial.
Several of the remaining defendants reportedly continue to face serious health challenges, with limited access to medical care.
The 14 domestic workers were arrested in 2019 over allegations that they stole jewellery worth hundreds of millions of naira belonging to Mrs. Jonathan. They have consistently denied the charges, claiming their confessional statements were obtained under duress.
During earlier proceedings, some defendants described harrowing experiences of torture, including flogging and beatings, allegedly carried out by police officer O.C. Chris and a security aide linked to Mrs. Jonathan. Despite these claims, no investigations have been launched against the accused security operatives, raising questions about accountability in Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial systems.
While Mrs. Jonathan’s legal team has also faced criticism for repeatedly filing motions that delay proceedings, the latest allegations now place the spotlight squarely on the judiciary itself.
