The trial of former domestic workers of former First Lady Patience Jonathan has suffered another setback at the Bayelsa State High Court after proceedings scheduled for September 22 failed to go ahead.
Fourteen former workers were originally arraigned in 2019 over allegations involving missing jewellery and other property reportedly valued at about ₦200 million.
According to a report on the latest proceedings, prosecution counsel was absent when the matter came up despite the case having been scheduled for the defence to conclude its case.
No new hearing date had reportedly been fixed immediately after the failed proceeding.
The defendants have denied the allegations.
Some have also alleged in previous proceedings that statements relied upon against them were obtained through coercion and mistreatment. Those allegations remain matters for judicial determination.
The case has attracted attention because of the length of proceedings and the period some defendants have spent in custody.
Previous reporting indicated that the matter had experienced dozens of adjournments since it commenced.
One defendant, Sahabi Liman, reportedly became seriously ill while in custody, was subsequently granted bail on medical grounds and later died.
The fresh delay reinforces a broader criminal-justice concern: the constitutional guarantee of a fair hearing includes not only an opportunity to defend oneself but also the expectation that criminal proceedings will be concluded within a reasonable period.
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Source: LawHauz
