Ekweremadu could be the first person returned to Nigeria under new deportation deal with UK

NIGERIA'S former deputy senate president Senator Ike Ekweremadu could be among those first to be repatriated from the UK following the recent signing of a bilateral deal between both nations dealing with failed asylum seekers and convicted offenders.

During President Bola Tinubu's recent state visit to the UK, the British and Nigerian governments signed a pact covering the return of failed asylum seekers, visa over-stayers and convicted offenders.  Signed by Nigeria's interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood, the agreement provides a structured framework for the return and reintegration of Nigerians deported from the UK.

Although it is not yet clear when the agreement will come into effect, Senator Ekweremadu, who was convicted in March 2023 and sentenced to nine years and eight months imprisonment by the Old Bailey for organ trafficking, is expected to be its first beneficiary. Nigeria's federal government had initiated moves to secure his transfer back home to complete his sentence but the plea was rejected by the UK.

This new migration agreement, however, has revived speculation that the transfer could be reconsidered within a broader legal framework. Under the agreement, Nigerians who no longer have legal grounds to remain in the UK may be returned back home.

Officials indicate that no fewer than 2,071 Nigerians who have exhausted their asylum appeal rights, as well as convicted offenders awaiting deportation, could be affected by the arrangement.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the agreement provides a structured framework for the dignified return and reintegration of affected individuals. He added that the arrangement includes provisions for secure travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification and safeguards for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of trafficking.

He stated that returnees would retain their rights under Nigerian law and could re-enter the UK in the future if they meet applicable immigration requirements. One senior government official said there was a possibility that Senator Ekweremadu could be returned under the agreement but stressed that no such move was currently under consideration.

Lawyer Bankole Akomolafe, said while Senator Ekweremadu could potentially be transferred under the framework, any such move would require strict adherence to legal procedures and mutual agreement between both countries. He warned, however, against any arrangement that would result in the former lawmaker being returned to Nigeria without continuing his sentence.

Mr Akomolafe said: “He has been tried and convicted and that is the judicial process. A bilateral agreement cannot nullify a valid court sentence. If he is transferred, the terms must be respected. It would be a breach of agreement for him to be released without completing his sentence, except through lawful processes such as a pardon.”

Igbo socio-cultural group, the Alaigbo Development Foundation, said it would not be out of place for the former lawmaker to be repatriated. According to the group’s president Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, Senator Ekweremadu had already faced significant consequences and  bringing him back to Nigeria could be justified.