The Nigerian Senate has passed a motion seeking clemency for former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, just two days before his sentencing for organ trafficking charges in a UK court. Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, were convicted alongside medical doctor Obinna Obeta, who facilitated the travel of a young man to the UK for the purpose of organ harvesting. The convicts were found guilty after a six-week trial, with Justice Jeremy Johnson handing down the verdict.
The Metropolitan Police had arrested the Ekweremadus in 2022 for luring a young man from Nigeria to the UK for organ harvesting. In their plea for clemency, the Senate noted that all the convicts are first offenders and requested a novel approach to sentencing that would temper justice with mercy. They also emphasized the long history of good relationship between Britain and Nigeria, urging that this be considered when deciding on the sentence.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan revealed that he had earlier written to the British judicial authorities requesting clemency on behalf of the Senate. He described the situation as “very unfortunate and very sad,” especially considering Ekweremadu’s 12 years of service as Deputy Senate President and his contributions to the development of parliaments in Africa and around the world.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has departed for London to attend the coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as the King and Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, respectively. Buhari is also scheduled to participate in a Commonwealth Summit for Presidents and Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries on Friday, May 5, where the future of the Commonwealth and the role of youth will be discussed.
