April 06, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed as false and misleading reports that 15 domestic staff of former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, are being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, without trial.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC I G.T. Isari, the NCoS said the reports, which alleged that the inmates had been in detention since 2019 for alleged theft and without legal process, were completely unfounded.
The Service also debunked claims of a clandestine meeting between Dame Jonathan and senior correctional officials in Bayelsa, describing such reports as “fabricated attempts to malign the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
“These statements are baseless and designed to mislead the public. The inmates in question have been treated with dignity and their rights fully protected while in custody,” Isari stated.
He explained that no person can be admitted into any correctional facility in the country without a valid remand order issued by a competent court of law.
According to him, the individuals referenced in the report were lawfully remanded by High Court 1 of Bayelsa State and have been consistently attending their trial sessions.
“They were in court on March 10 and 11, 2025, and most recently on April 3, 2025. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 17, 2025,” the statement added.
The Command reiterated that under the leadership of the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Service remains committed to the lawful, safe, and humane custody of all inmates, in line with its mandate.
“The Okaka facility continues to operate in a peaceful and orderly manner, and remains one of the most stable custodial centres in the country,” Isari affirmed.
The NCoS urged the public to disregard the misleading publication and be wary of reports intended to incite public sentiment or undermine the integrity of the Service.
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