Patience Jonathan Allegedly Blocks Domestic Worker From Burying Daughter, Keeps Her in Prison Since 2019
A Nigerian woman, Deborah Erema who worked as a domestic worker in the Jonathan household, has been unable to bury her daughter after being detained for over five years allegedly on the orders of former First Lady Patience Jonathan over missing jewellery.
Erema and 14 other workers were arrested in 2019, accused of stealing jewellery belonging to Patience Jonathan.
Despite no convictions, they remain incarcerated, cut off from their families.
Erema’s daughter, left to fend for herself and her siblings, eventually fell ill and passed away without her mother’s presence.
A source close to the case revealed to SaharaReporters that the tragic circumstances surrounding Erema’s daughter’s death were worsened by the fact that Deborah was not allowed to attend the funeral.
“Deborah Erema lost her daughter. She died after struggling alone all these years to fend for her mother, Erema Deborah, and her younger brother, Precious Kingsley, who is also here alongside his mother. The sad part is that she was not allowed to leave to bury her daughter,” the source said, adding that another detainee, Tamunokuro Abaku, lost his elder brother, who had been his only support.
The source noted that Erema’s daughter had too much burden on her shoulders, taking care of herself, her siblings, and her incarcerated mother.
“because she had so much to care for. She was a single mother of about two or three kids. So adding the mum’s situation became too much for her. She took ill for a while and died later,” the source said.
While the detainees continue to suffer in custody, their families have faced threats and been denied visitation.
“While they were at the station, they threatened our families from visiting them. And up until now, we are not allowed to visit them,” a family member told SaharaReporters.
Among the detainees, a pregnant woman, Salome, who had sickle cell disease, was arrested while four months pregnant.
She endured a harrowing experience, including being chained to a hospital bed during her delivery.
“What about the four-month pregnant lady with sickle cell disease who was also arrested and made to go through her wickedness? Her name is Salome,” another source said.
Though granted bail after giving birth, Salome’s health has remained unstable.
“She was granted bail with unbelievable bail conditions after giving birth while in detention and almost lost her life at the Federal Medical Centre with chains on her legs to the bed.
“She’s out there, but in and out of hospital admissions. She never had stable health after her delivery through this means,” the source disclosed.
The Bayelsa State Police Command was contacted regarding the matter, with ASP Musa Mohammed promising to investigate the situation further.
“I am just hearing about the case, but I promise you, I will look into it. I will definitely investigate and get back to you,” he told SaharaReporters during a telephone conversation on Friday morning.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
