Ahead of Ekweremadus’ sentencing, House begs UK court for leniency

• Family friend fears for daughter, Sonia’s wellbeing

Ahead of this Friday’s sentencing of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu for organ harvesting, the House of Representatives has appealed to the Central Criminal Court, United Kingdom to temper justice with mercy. 

 
The plea, yesterday, followed adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, at plenary.  The lawmakers equally pleaded with the British government to wade into the matter involving the top Nigerian politician and wife, Beatrice.
 
They also urged the Federal Government to take diplomatic steps in salvaging the situation. The lower legislative chamber, therefore, mandated the Clerk to “convey” its resolutions in writing to the British Embassy, United Kingdom government and the parliament.

Ekweremadu, 60; his wife, Beatrice, 56; and Dr Obinna Obeta, 51; were found guilty of processing the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to exploiting him, after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey
 
Presenting the motion, Okechukwu said Ekweremadu acted based on his limited knowledge of UK laws, stressing that he must have learnt his lessons.
 
The lawmaker observed: “Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a Nigerian citizen, serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and former Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, were tried and convicted by the Central Criminal Court, London, United Kingdom (UK) for offences relating to breach of the novel Modern Slavery Act 2015.
 
“The sentencing of the couple is scheduled for May 5, 2023.
 
“Senator Ike Ekweremadu acted within his limited knowledge of the UK laws and did write to the UK High Commission to support the medical visa application for the potential donor and did declare the purpose of the trip.

 
“Senator Ekweremadu and wife acted under the natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes.
 
“It is a common practice in international relations for nations, including the UK, to seek relief for their citizens involved in situations such as that of the Ekweremadus.
 
“The House is also aware of the longstanding history and cordial ties between Nigeria and the UK.”

IN the interim, a friend of the Ekweremadus has told The Guardian that he really fears for the wellbeing of their ailing daughter, Sonia.

“It’s the daughter l’m really worried about now,” the friend said when asked how she is coping with her thrice a week four-hour dialysis sessions.  

“She might be feeling really guilty that it’s because of her that her parents are in jail,” he added. Asked how Mrs. Ekweremadu took the conviction, the friend responded: “Ooooh! She took it badly. She really cried and cried.”