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Thursday, 06 April 2023 02:50

Obasanjo begs for leniency for Ekweremadu, wife with UK authorities over organ harvesting conviction

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A former President of Nigeria,  Olusegun Obasanjo, has written a letter to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court in London, UK, concerning the case of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice, who were found guilty of organ trafficking.

The letter, dated April 3, 2023, implores the court and the UK government to show leniency towards the Ekweremadus, who are at risk of being sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The couple was remanded in custody following the guilty verdicts and are awaiting sentencing on May 5.

Obasanjo acknowledged the severity and reprehensibility of the Ekweremadus' actions, which involved the alleged plans to harvest the organs of a young man. However, he urged the court and the UK government to take into account their good character, parental instinct, and care, as well as the medical condition of their daughter, who is in danger and requires urgent medical attention. He also emphasized the importance of warm relations between the UK and Nigeria and Ike Ekweremadu's distinguished position as a senator in the Nigerian Parliament.

The former President expressed his hope that the Ekweremadus have learned from this distressing experience and will continue to be outstanding members of their community, contributing fully to the good of society and the nation.