Nigeria, April 8 -- The Bayelsa State High Court has denied culpability or external influence in the protracted trial and detention of some domestic aides of former first lady Patience Jonathan.

The court attributed the delay in the trial overseen by Chief Judge Matilda Ayemieye to frequent changes in defence lawyers, leading to the defendants' six-year incarceration.

"His Lordship granted accelerated hearing to enable parties to conduct the matter speedily," Julius Nyananyo, the head of media and information to the Bayelsa State High Court, said in a statement on Monday.

"From available records, the matter has suffered delays due to multiple defence lawyers who must cross-examine witnesses, which has slowed down proceedings."

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