The United Kingdom has reportedly declined the Tinubu administration’s request to transfer former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to Nigeria to complete his prison sentence.
Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and Dr. Obinna Obeta were convicted in the UK for conspiring to traffic a young man to London for the purpose of harvesting his kidney. The organ was intended for the senator’s ailing daughter, Sonia, at a private hospital in London.
UK Ministry of Justice Confirms Rejection
According to The Guardian UK, a source at the UK Ministry of Justice confirmed that Nigeria’s request for a prisoner transfer was turned down. The British government reportedly expressed concerns about how the case would be managed if Ekweremadu were returned to Nigeria.
A UK government spokesperson told the newspaper that prisoner transfers are approved only after “careful assessment” and must align with “the interests of justice.”
Another source was quoted saying:
“The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law.”
Background
Ekweremadu and his co-defendants were sentenced in 2023, marking the UK’s first conviction under the Modern Slavery Act involving organ trafficking. The case drew global attention and sparked widespread debate in Nigeria.
For now, the former lawmaker is expected to continue serving his sentence in the United Kingdom, as UK authorities maintain a firm stance on the matter.
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