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Organ Harvesting: UK Adjourns Trial Of Ekweremadu, Wife To July 7

BY CHIKA OKEKE, with Agency Report 

The United Kingdom has adjourned the trial of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu to July 7 for further hearing. 

London Metropolitan Police had on Thursday arrested and charged the duo for trafficking a child to the UK for alleged organ harvesting.

According to reports, Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia was diagnosed with kidney disease, had been on dialysis and needed an urgent transplant.

Upon questioning, the child revealed that he was 15 years as against the 21 years tendered by the accused, just as he was allegedly tricked to the UK with the promise of a better life.

Daily Mail revealed that the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court. 

The presiding Magistrate, Ms Lois Sheard described the allegations as serious, just as she remanded the defendants into custody ahead of next month's hearing. 

However, the police said that it launched investigation after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022. 

The statement reads: “A woman and a man were charged today with conspiring to arrange the travel of a child into the UK in order to harvest organs. The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime team."

“[A] 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. “[B] 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."

The police however added that the child has been safeguarded as they are working closely with partners on continued support. 

“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.”

Meanwhile, a letter from Ekweremadu’s office revealed that the British High Commission in Nigeria was aware of the transplant between the victim and the daughter of the senator. 

The letter dated December 28, 2021, also indicated that the surgery would take place at the Royal Free Hospital London and that the senator would provide all the needed funds.

It reads, “I am writing in support of a visa application made by Mr Ukpo Nwamini David, who is currently undergoing a medical investigation for a kidney donation to Ms Sonia Ekweremadu."

“David and Sonia will be at the Royal Free Hospital London and I will be providing the necessary fundings. I have enclosed a statement of my bank account. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information."

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