According to the Bayelsa Government, the trial of Patience Jonathan's 15 domestic workers who have been detained since 2019 will be further delayed.

 In a press statement issued by Julius L. The Bayelsa State High Court's Head of Media and Information, Nyananyo, informed the court that the case, which is being prosecuted by the State, is ongoing in High Court 1, presided over by Hon. Justice Matilda Ayemieye, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State According to the statement, "The attention of the Bayelsa State High Court has been drawn to a media report titled "Ex-Nigeria's First Lady Patience Jonathan Holds 15 Domestic Workers in Prison Over Missing Jewelry" by an online reporter on Thursday, April 3, 2025." While denying allegations of judicial complicity or external influence in the case, Nyananyo stated, "As a responsible organization, we want to set the records straight in the interest of justice and balanced reportage.

" The statement says that the 15 people accused are being tried on serious charges like armed robbery and attempted murder. Prior to Justice Ayemieye's appointment as Chief Judge in 2019, the case was initially assigned to her. Nyananyo stated, "His Lordship granted accelerated hearing to enable parties to conduct the matter quickly.

" “From available records, the matter has suffered delays due to multiple defense lawyers who must cross-examine witnesses, which has slowed down proceedings.” In addition, the court attributed several adjournments to the defense team, noting that Justice Ayemieye had even instructed the attorneys to streamline their representation in order to speed up the trial. “Only recently, an application for a Trial within a Trial was made, which the court granted. Evidently, this will prolong the case even further," the statement continued.

 The court defended its decisions regarding the contentious issue of bail, which has resulted in the majority of defendants languishing in prison for nearly six years. "Applications were determined on the merits and based on the materials furnished. The court stated, "Some of the defendants were admitted to bail." "There is a mechanism for review of the same by appealing to the higher Courts if anyone was dissatisfied.

" Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Sahabi Lima, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson are among the detained individuals. Many of them were low-level domestic workers.