In a heartbreaking turn of events, one of the domestic workers of former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has died after a prolonged illness. Sahabi Liman, who was among the 15 staff members standing trial for allegedly stealing Mrs. Jonathan’s multi-million-naira jewellery, passed away in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the weekend.
Liman had been on bail for three years due to a deterioration in his health while in custody at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa. His death was confirmed by a correctional officer who stated, “One of Patience Jonathan’s workers, Sahabi Liman, who was on bail, has passed away. It was the sickness he had been battling with before he was granted bail.”
His son, who was with him during his final days, shared that Liman had been struggling with his illness since his detention. “My father was granted bail about three years ago to treat himself, and at some point, he was recovering, but he was taken back to the hospital a few weeks back. It was at the hospital that he died,” he explained.
Liman, aged 45, was buried in Port Harcourt according to Islamic rites. A family source alleged that his health crisis began during his incarceration, stating, “The sickness that led to his death developed while he was in prison… At first, they did not grant him bail, but when it became obvious he would not survive, Madam asked the prison officers to release him to his family.”
His death comes just days before the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa is set to deliver a ruling on September 24, 2025, which could determine the fate of the remaining 14 accused domestic staff. The workers, arrested in 2019, face allegations of stealing Mrs. Jonathan’s jewellery, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of naira. They have consistently denied the charges, claiming they were tortured into making confessional statements.
During previous hearings, defendants such as Golden Vivian and Tamunosiki Achese testified that they were flogged and brutalised by security operatives until they collapsed. They accused a police officer, identified as O.C. Chris, and Mrs. Jonathan’s Chief Security Officer, Colin Otutu, of direct involvement in the torture.
The presiding judge is expected to rule on whether the disputed confessions—described by defence lawyers as forced and inadmissible—will stand as evidence. This ruling could either strengthen the prosecution’s case or significantly weaken it.
Now in its sixth year, the trial has been characterised by repeated adjournments, with the defence accusing Mrs. Jonathan’s legal team, led by Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba, of employing delay tactics and frivolous motions. Meanwhile, the remaining defendants remain in prolonged detention at Okaka Correctional Centre, anxiously awaiting the court’s decision later this month.
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