The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has given an explanation for the continuous delay of the trial of 13 domestic staff members of former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, detained at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since 2019.
During a press briefing on Monday, May 5, ahead of the 2025 Law Week, the Chairman of the NBA’s Yenagoa branch, Somina Johnbull, addressed questions regarding the stalled proceedings.
He explained that the case involves charges carrying capital punishment, which requires the presence of all defence lawyers before the trial can proceed. However, this condition has never been fully met.
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Johnbull noted that each of the 13 defendants is represented by a separate counsel, making coordination difficult. He expressed concern over the prolonged delay, pointing out that such cases are unusual in Bayelsa State, given the modern facilities available to the judiciary, including an electronic recording system.
He further revealed that during the most recent court session in April, the presiding judge had offered to recuse themselves due to the increasing public attention and controversy surrounding the case. However, the defendants urged the court to continue, citing their confidence in the judiciary.
“We investigated the case and spoke with all the lawyers involved. The fault is not with the court. On every scheduled hearing, the court was ready. The issue was that, since it’s a capital offense, all the defense counsels must be present, and that has never happened,” Johnbull stated.
He emphasized that it is rare for cases in Bayelsa to last beyond three or four years due to the technological advancements in the judicial system. “We find this situation strange, and that’s why we carried out an internal investigation. The delays are primarily due to procedural requirements, not judicial inefficiency,” he added.
The 2025 Law Week, themed ‘Setting the Pace: Law, Leadership and Transformational Development’, will feature a keynote address by former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, May 16.
