Naija News reports that the court conducted a “trial within a trial” to determine whether the statements were given voluntarily.

Sources present at Friday’s proceedings told SaharaReporters that the prosecution, after six years of repeated delays, has finally closed its case.

“After six years, they’ve finally concluded their prosecution. We are now moving to the defence,” a family member said.

The source expressed surprise that the court admitted the confessions, which defendants claim were obtained through police beatings and torture while in custody.

“Shockingly, the court accepted statements that were allegedly forced. Some were even drafted by police officers in 2019, and the accused were compelled to sign them,” the source added.

The defendants will now present their case at the next scheduled hearing.

The eight defendants are part of a larger group of 15 domestic staff accused of stealing jewellery from Mrs Jonathan’s residence in 2019. The number of accused was reduced following the death of Sahabi Liman in 2025. Current defendants include Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Salomi Wareboka, Sunday Reginald, Boma Oba, Vivian Golden, and Emeka Benson.

The trial has faced repeated adjournments and frequent delays, with long stretches where no hearings occurred.

Torture Allegations, No Accountability

During prior court sessions, several defendants testified that they were abducted, tortured, and denied legal counsel while detained. Vivian Golden testified she was flogged after refusing to sign a confession.

Other defendants named police officer “O.C. Chris” and Chief Security Officer Colin Otutu as responsible for the alleged torture.

Despite these claims, no police officer has been investigated or charged in connection with the alleged abuse. Mrs Jonathan has not been summoned or questioned.

Defence lawyers, led by Ige Asemudara and Samuel Chinedu Maduba, have been accused of delaying proceedings through procedural tactics.

The drawn-out trial has already had serious consequences. In September 2025, Sahabi Liman, one of the original 15 accused, died after a prolonged illness. Liman had been granted bail three years earlier due to deteriorating health while in custody at Okaka Correctional Centre, Yenagoa, but his condition worsened, and he passed away in a Port Harcourt hospital.