Igbo group hails FG’s move for Ekweremadu’s repatriation from UK

The President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, Goodluck Ibem, has backed the Federal Government’s move to have former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, serve the remainder of his prison sentence in Nigeria.

Ekweremadu was convicted in the United Kingdom for organ trafficking after attempting to bring a 21-year-old Lagos street vendor to Britain for a kidney transplant for his daughter, Sonia.

He was sentenced to nine years and eight months under the UK Modern Slavery Act in May 2023 and remains in prison, while his wife, Beatrice, received four years and six months and was released early in 2025.

A medical middleman, Dr Obinna Obeta, was sentenced to ten years.

On the latest on Ekweremadu’s case, Alkasim AbdulKadir, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed to Arise News on Tuesday that the Federal Government was in consultations with the United Kingdom regarding Ekweremadu’s transfer to a Nigerian correctional facility.

He said, “An appeal for prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria was tabled before the United Kingdom authorities.”

It was gathered that a Nigerian delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Adegbite, met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice. The delegation was later received at the Nigerian High Commission in London by Acting High Commissioner Mohammed Maidugu.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ibem praised the Tinubu government for showing compassion over the Ekweremadu case and urged UK authorities to cooperate fully.

Ibem said, “The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, the apex socio-political youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, wishes to express its unequivocal support and commendation for President Bola Tinubu’s recent diplomatic efforts concerning the case of our esteemed leader, former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

We wholeheartedly back the initiative to facilitate the transfer of Senator Ekweremadu to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his prison sentence within our nation’s correctional facilities.

“The ongoing discussions and high-level meetings held by a Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General, with UK authorities underscore the commitment of the Federal Government to protect the interests of its citizens, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their predicament.

“We believe this endeavour reflects a compassionate approach, rooted in the values of justice and rehabilitation, as Senator Ekweremadu seeks to reintegrate into society after serving his sentence.”

While noting that the South-East zone was not averse to the need for a fair process, it also made a case for the dignified handling of cases of prominent figures who have significantly contributed to the development of society.

Ibem said, “We urge the UK authorities to cooperate fully with the Nigerian government regarding this proposal. Mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement will not only serve the interests of justice but also foster goodwill between our nations.

We trust in the capability and commitment of President Tinubu and his administration to navigate this sensitive issue with the gravity it deserves. The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders remains optimistic that positive outcomes will emerge from these discussions, ultimately leading to a resolution that is in the best interest of all parties involved.

“We call upon all stakeholders to keep the lines of communication open and work collaboratively towards a swift resolution. Senator Ike Ekweremadu deserves the opportunity to serve the remainder of his sentence close to home, where he can have access to the support of his family.”

On its part, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not deliberated on it. Hence, no response for now.”