In an unsettling tale of prolonged detention and unaddressed injustice, 12 out of 15 domestic workers have remained in prison for over five years, without a court conviction, after being accused of stealing jewellery from Patience Jonathan, the wife of former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan. The workers, who have languished behind bars since 2019, are caught in a web of alleged abuse of power and systemic neglect, with no formal charges brought against them. The case highlights the dire need for accountability and reform in Nigeria’s justice system, especially concerning individuals with significant political or financial influence.
A Long Wait for Justice
The accused, mostly men and women who worked as domestic staff in the Jonathan household, have spent years in detention after allegations surfaced that some jewellery belonging to Patience Jonathan had gone missing. Despite this accusation, they have not been presented with evidence in a court of law, and no trial has taken place to determine their innocence or guilt. The lengthy detention, which seems to defy due process, paints a damning picture of the system’s failure to protect basic human rights.
Public Outcry and Call for Action
On Twitter, Nigerian comedian and activist Mr. Macaroni highlighted the injustice surrounding this case. In a tweet shared widely, he condemned the prolonged detention of the workers, emphasizing the emotional toll on both the detained individuals and their families. “The injustice in this country is so painful!!! According to this report, these men and women have been locked up for over five years without a court conviction!! Does Madam Patience Jonathan even remember that they are still in prison??? We must stand against this pattern of abusing power that allows rich or influential people lock up others because they cannot speak or fight for themselves. By law, they are innocent until proven guilty!” he wrote.
Faces of the Forgotten
While the public debate rages on, the men and women affected remain voiceless, with few outside their immediate circle aware of their plight. In this photo story, we present the faces of these 12 domestic workers, whose lives have been derailed by a case that has yet to see the light of day in court. Behind the bars, their lives continue to unfold in the shadows of uncertainty, without the clear path to justice they so desperately need.
Despite being detained in various prisons across Nigeria, their faces tell a story of resilience, but also of pain. Many have lost contact with their families, while others remain in limbo, their future uncertain. Their collective silence is deafening, yet their spirits remain unbroken.
A Call for Justice
As the nation watches and voices grow louder, the demand for justice remains clear: these individuals must either face a proper trial or be released. Nigeria’s justice system must ensure that everyone, regardless of their social standing, is afforded the fundamental right to a fair trial. The ongoing case of the domestic workers is a stark reminder of the power imbalances that can exist when those in influential positions are left unchecked.
It is time for the Nigerian government, and the judicial system, to address these discrepancies and give these workers the chance to reclaim their lives. They have been denied justice for far too long, and their suffering must not be ignored.
