EXCLUSIVE: Young Nigerian, Languishing In Prison For Nearly Six Years Over Patience Jonathan’s Missing Jewellery, Prevented From Taking WAEC Exam
A young Nigerian, Precious Kingsley, has spent almost six years behind bars after being arrested in 2019 over the alleged disappearance of jewellery belonging to former First Lady Patience Jonathan in Bayelsa State.
At the time of his arrest, Kingsley, who was just 20 years old, was preparing to take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), a milestone in his educational journey that was abruptly cut short. His story highlights a devastating case of abuse of power, with no concrete evidence linking him to the missing jewellery, yet he has been left to languish in prison without a trial.
Kingsley’s only alleged crime was being a frequent visitor to his mother, Deborah Erema, who worked as a domestic staff in Patience Jonathan’s household. Despite no evidence suggesting Kingsley’s involvement in the incident, he was detained and is now approaching his 26th birthday in prison.
A family source revealed that Kingsley had not even been present at the residence when the jewellery allegedly went missing. The last time he visited his mother was over two months before the incident, which occurred while he was preparing for his WASSCE exams.
Deborah Erema’s Family Ordeal
Kingsley’s plight is just one of many tragic stories stemming from the same case. Deborah Erema, his mother, who worked in Patience Jonathan’s household, was arrested alongside 14 other domestic workers in 2019 on charges of stealing the missing jewellery.
The workers have spent the last five years in prison, enduring both physical and psychological torture, according to reports from victims. The situation has had a profound impact on Erema’s family, as she was prevented from attending her daughter’s funeral after the latter passed away while Erema was incarcerated.
The death of Deborah’s daughter, who had been left to care for her family and her mother’s legal battle, was a devastating blow. The emotional toll of her incarceration, coupled with the financial strain of supporting her family, ultimately led to her untimely death.
Furthermore, another detainee, Tamunokuro Abaku, lost his elder brother during this time, highlighting the deep personal tragedies caused by the prolonged detentions of these individuals. Their families continue to endure hardship and grief, compounded by the uncertainty surrounding their loved ones’ release.
While the Bayelsa State Police Command was contacted, ASP Musa Mohammed expressed ignorance of the case but promised to investigate the matter. This lack of response from authorities further underscores the systemic failure in addressing the injustice faced by Kingsley and the other detained workers.
