Former Nigerian deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife have been arrested in the United Kingdom for an alleged organ harvesting offence.
The couple, Beatrice Nwanneka Eweremadu, 55, and Ike Ekweremadu, 60, are currently remanded in the custody of the Metropolitan Police.
The Metropolitan police noted that they will appear before the Uxbridge magistrates court later today for arraignment.
What the British Police is saying
According to a statement by the Metropolitan police, the couple were arrested following an investigation by the force’s specialist crime team after they were alerted of potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.
- The statement reads “Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
- “Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
- “They have both been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later today.”
“A child has been safeguarded and we are working closely with partners on continued support. - “As criminal proceedings are now under way we will not be providing further details.”
Court denies couple bail
The couple had separate legal representations at the proceeding. They prayed the court to release them on bail.
Ruling on the matter, the Magistrate refused them bail and ordered that they be remanded until July 7.
The court also directed them to deposit their passports with the UK government.
What you should know
- According to prosecutors in court, Mr Ekweremadu and his wife were charged for bringing a 15-year-old boy from Nigeria to the UK under the pretence of providing him with a better life not knowing they were going to harvest his organ.
- They said the organs to be harvested were meant for Mr Ekweremadu’s daughter who has kidney disease and has been on dialysis for quite some time.
- According to reports, Mr Ekweremadu had procured a passport for the lad who is 15 years of age but claimed the boy was 21 years.
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The fact/reason that Africa continues to be the world’s wealthiest third world nation is constantly demonstrated by the actions of the people who lead the countries.
The God that answeret by fire let him be my God. Almighty God will haunt down all the Nigerian leaders who have stolen and short change Nigeria. This is just the beginning of the end for all our fraudulent leaders. What a shame that these are the kind of men who have been lawmakers in Nigeria. Well 10yrs in gaul is good enough! BASTARDS!