House of Reps writes to London court and UK government requesting mercy for Ekweremadu

NIGERIA'S House of Representatives has written to the UK government and the London high court asking that they be merciful in sentencing former senate deputy president Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice.

On Friday May 5 this week, Senator Ekweremadu and his wife are due to be sentenced after they were found guilty of bringing a man to the UK with the view to harvest his kidneys. In a landmark ruling at the Old Bailey in March 23, the Ekweremadus and Dr Obeta, a London doctor, were found guilty under the UK's modern day slavery laws.

A jury found that they conspired to bring a victim to London to exploit Lagos street trader David Ukpo Nwamini to the UK for the purpose of harvesting his kidney. Testifying in court, Mr Nwamini, 21, accused Senator Ekweremadu of trying to harvest his kidney for their daughter, Sonia, aged 25.

With Senator Ekweremadu facing the prospect of 10 years behind bars, Nigeria's House of Representatives has decided to plead for mercy. A resolution to that effect was passed after a motion was moved by Hon Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State.

Moving the motion Hon Okechukwu said diplomatic intervention in this kind of case is normal. He added: “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.”

Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said intervention is not a justification for the charges against the Ekweremadus. However, he urged the UK government to consider the Ekweremadu’s years of public service.

Consequently, the House resolved to urge the UK government and the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing Ekweremadu, his wife and the doctor. Also, they urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to take all diplomatic steps and other necessary interventions regarding the travails of the Ekweremadu family.