A 90-year-old Nigerian woman has made an emotional appeal to former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, begging for the release of her daughter, Deborah Erema, who has been detained for over five years over allegations of theft.
Erema, a former aide to the ex-First Lady, was arrested alongside several others in 2019 for allegedly stealing jewellery and household items worth approximately ₦200 million from Jonathan’s residence. The case, filed at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, has faced over 40 adjournments, prolonging the detention of the accused without resolution.
In an interview monitored by Diaspora Digital Media, the elderly woman lamented her suffering since her daughter’s incarceration, stating that Erema was her sole provider.
“Nobody gives me food. It’s only her. I don’t have anybody else,” she cried. “Please release my daughter. She used to feed me. If I die now, who will bury me? She’s all I have.”
Erema is among 14 individuals charged with conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, and theft. The stolen items reportedly include gold bangles, jewellery, Samsung TVs, air conditioners, and upholstered chairs.
Despite the serious allegations, the prolonged legal delays have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the extended detention without trial violates the defendants’ rights.
The elderly mother’s plea has sparked widespread sympathy, with many Nigerians urging a swift resolution to the case. Social media users have called for mercy, emphasizing the humanitarian toll of the judicial delays.
“I don beg tire. I don tire. Make una leave my pikin for me,” the distraught mother pleaded.
As the case continues to stall in court, families of the accused remain in anguish, hoping for either a fair trial or compassionate intervention.
DDM had earlier reported how Mrs Jonathan ordered the detention of the suspects in prison since 2019.
News on the issue was first reported by Sahara Reporters.