They urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their case.
The families of domestic workers detained over an alleged jewellery theft involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerian leaders, accusing him of hypocrisy and demanding justice for their relatives who have remained in detention since 2019.
Reacting to Jonathan’s call on leaders to put the welfare of citizens first, a relation of one of the detainees who spoke on behalf of the families involved, said the former President’s words rang hollow while domestic workers linked to his household continue to languish in prison amid prolonged court delays.
“This is Goodluck Jonathan New Year message to Nigerian leaders: he said they should put people first, but his wife has put people in the jail since 2019 and he is not saying anything about it,” one of the family members of the detained workers said.
They urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their case.
“This is his message to Nigeria leaders, but he should first show the good example by ensuring the release of the people his wife has kept in prison since 2019,” the family member added.
The source lamented the slow pace of the trial.
“They are in good health; we thank God, but only the issue is the delay in the case. They should conclude with the case early this year; that is our prayer,” they said.
The family’s reaction followed Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerians, in which he urged leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare and adopt people-centred leadership amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
“As we enter 2026, we give thanks to God for the gift of life and for the privilege of a new beginning. The turning of the year invites hope and reflection, and it is with both that we welcome this moment,” Jonathan said in the message issued through his Media Assistant.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians, stating, “The period behind us has not been without its trials. As a nation and as individuals, we have confronted economic pressures and persistent insecurity, challenges that have tested our resilience and, for many families, brought hardship and loss.”
Jonathan added that such challenges underscored “the responsibility we bear toward one another and the importance of people-oriented leadership.”
Despite the hardships, he praised Nigerians for their resilience, saying, “Even in these difficult circumstances, the enduring character of the Nigerian people has remained evident. Across our communities, we continue to see courage, solidarity and a quiet determination to persevere.”
Calling for renewed commitment in 2026, the former president said, “Leadership at all levels must be anchored in service, guided by humility, integrity and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.”
However, the family’s statement has drawn renewed attention to the long-running case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from Mrs. Jonathan’s residence.
As previously reported by SaharaReporters, the trial, which began in 2019, has been repeatedly delayed, with the defendants held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa for over five years without bail.
The accused persons listed as Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Sahabi Lima, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson, have consistently told the court that they were abducted, tortured and forced to make confessions.
In one court session, Golden Vivian testified that she was suspended and whipped after refusing to confess, while others named “O.C. Chris” and a Chief Security Officer, Colin Otutu, as figures involved in the alleged abuse.
Despite repeated allegations of torture and police brutality linked to the case, no security operative has been charged or investigated.