Organ Harvesting Case: Reason Why Ike Ekweremadu is Still in Prison After His Wife's Release
- Ike Ekweremadu remains in prison despite the release of his wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu, after serving her sentence for organ trafficking
- His continued imprisonment is due to his longer sentence of nine years and eight months, as he was identified as the 'driving force' in the case
- The case highlighted the severity of organ trafficking under the UK's Modern Slavery Act and led to significant reactions from Nigerians
Beatrice Ekweremadu, the wife of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, has reportedly been released from prison and returned to her home country.
Reports from several media houses, including the BBC, sparked celebrations. However, many have also asked about the status of Ike Ekweremadu, who remains in prison.
Source: Twitter
Beatrice Ekweremadu released from UK prison
Beatrice Ekweremadu was released from a UK prison and returned to Nigeria three months ago, according to a report by the BBC.
Her release has brought joy to her supporters, with local media sharing videos of market women celebrating in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.
Beatrice, along with her husband Ike and Dr. Obinna Obeta, was convicted in March 2023 for conspiring to traffic a young man for organ harvesting under the UK's Modern Slavery Act of 2015.
This case marked the first conviction of its kind under the legislation.
Ike Ekweremadu still serving his prison sentence
While Beatrice has been released, Ike Ekweremadu remains in prison. The reason for his continued imprisonment is straightforward: he was sentenced to a longer term.
The former Deputy Senate President, who the judge described as the 'driving force throughout', was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison.
In contrast, Beatrice was sentenced to four years and six months due to her more limited involvement. Dr. Obinna Obeta received a 10-year sentence for targeting a young, poor, and vulnerable potential donor.
Background on the Ekweremadu organ harvesting case
The Ekweremadus and Dr Obeta were arrested by police in the UK in March 2023 for plotting to arrange an illegal organ transplant, as also reported by the BBC.
58-year-old Beatrice was accused of conspiring with others to bring a street trader from Nigeria to London to use him as a kidney donor for their daughter, Sonia, who required a transplant.
The case became the first ever under the UK's modern slavery laws, highlighting the severity of organ trafficking.
According to authorities, the convicts brought the victim, a street trader from Lagos to the UK in 2022 with the offer of up to £7,000 and the promise of opportunities.
The victim was supposed to provide his kidney for an £80,000 private transplant at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
However, the victim realised the true nature of the plan when he met doctors at the hospital who began discussing the kidney transplant.
He reported the matter to the police in May 2022, stating that he was brought to the country for an organ transplant.
Reactions to the release of Beatrice Ekweremadu
Beatrice Ekweremadu's release has led to celebrations in her hometown of Mpu, in the Aninri local government area of Enugu.
Market women and other supporters have expressed their joy on social media, posting videos celebrating her return.
A family member confirmed that Beatrice had returned to Nigeria three months ago and had since rejoined her family there.
UK Court Sentences Ekweremadu to 10 Years in Prison
Legit.ng reported that the Old Bailey on Friday, May 5th, sentenced former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria Ike Ekweremadu to nine years and eight months in prison over an organ trafficking plot, BBC Pidgin reported.
The United Kingdom court also sentenced Ekweremadu's wife, Beatrice, to four years and six months while the doctor who assisted them, their medical 'middleman' Dr Obinna Obeta, bagged 10 years jail term, and the court also suspended his medical license.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
