A Bayelsa State High Court has admitted confessional statements from eight domestic workers of former First Lady Patience Jonathan into evidence, despite allegations they were obtained through torture.
The workers are accused of stealing jewellery worth hundreds of millions of naira from Jonathan's residence in 2019.
The court's decision followed a "trial within a trial" to assess whether the statements were made voluntarily.
The prosecution closed its case after six years, with the defence set to present its case at the next hearing.
The defendants claim they were beaten, tortured, and denied legal access while in police custody. One defendant, Golden Vivian, testified she was flogged for refusing to sign a confession.
No police officers have been investigated or charged for the alleged torture.
The trial has been marked by delays and skipped sessions, with one defendant, Sahabi Liman, dying in 2025 after being granted bail due to poor health.
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