The 15 domestic workers who have been languishing in detention since 2019 over allegations of stealing jewellery belonging to former Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan, will return to the Bayelsa State High Court on Thursday and Friday to continue their defence, SaharaReporters has learnt.A source on the case confirmed the upcoming hearings, saying most of the defendants are prepared to counter the prosecution’s narrative and expose the contradictions in the evidence presented against them.

“They are going to court on Thursday and Friday. They will continue their defence. This time most of the defendants will prove before the court how they were not connected to the allegations leveled against them,” the source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday.

“They will also be taking advantage of the contradictions in the prosecution cases. Since the court has ordered accelerated hearing,” the source added.

The ongoing trial, which has now dragged on for nearly six years without a single conviction, has continued to raise public outrage, with renewed focus following SaharaReporters’ earlier exposé revealing brutal torture tactics allegedly used by the Nigerian Police to extract forced confessions from the accused.

During a recent court session, multiple defendants gave detailed accounts of inhumane treatment suffered at the hands of police officers allegedly acting under the direct influence of Mrs. Jonathan.

Culled Sahara Reporters