Yenagoa, April 5, 2025 — The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa State Command, has strongly denied reports circulating on social media alleging that former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, are behind the illegal detention of 15 domestic staff at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka.
In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC 1 G.T. Isari, the Service described the claims as false, malicious, and an attempt to tarnish the image of the NCoS. The report alleged that the former first lady detained the staff since 2019 on charges of theft, and that a closed-door meeting had taken place between her and top correctional officers.
The NCoS clarified that the 15 individuals referenced in the report are in lawful custody based on valid remand warrants issued by High Court 1 of Bayelsa State. It emphasized that the inmates have been consistently attending court sessions as required, with the most recent appearance taking place on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The next court date is scheduled for April 17, 2025.
“There was no such meeting between Dame Patience Jonathan and any top official of the command as falsely claimed,” the statement read. “The said inmates were remanded by a competent court and have been treated fairly and humanely, with full respect for their fundamental human rights.”
The command reaffirmed that no individual can be admitted into any custodial facility in Nigeria without a valid court order, noting that all inmates at the Okaka facility were legally remanded.
The NCoS also reassured the public that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okaka, remains one of the most peaceful custodial centres in the country. It urged members of the public to disregard the “false and inciting” reports.
The statement concluded by reiterating the Service’s commitment to the safe and humane custody, reformation, and reintegration of inmates, under the leadership of the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni.
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