The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Central Criminal Court of the UK and the British government to show mercy to former Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and Dr. Obinna Obeta. The three conspired to bring a Lagos street trader to London to harvest his kidney for Sonia Ekweremadu, who requires a kidney transplant. The House also ordered Nigeria to help the Ekweremadu family diplomatically.
On May 5, 2023, the three will be sentenced. Okechukwu, a House member, reported that Senator Ike Ekweremadu wrote to the UK High Commission to support the possible donor’s medical visa application and stated the trip’s purpose. The House feels the Ekweremadu family acted instinctively to save their sick daughter, not for profit.
Ike Ekweremadu’s life should be judged, not merely his crime, according to House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. He believes that the Ekweremadu family has grown up and is under the guidance of their better angels. Gbajabiamila says the family should be offered mercy for Sonia Ekweremadu.
Dr. Sidie Tunis, Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament, has also asked the UK court for compassion. Tunis acknowledged Ekweremadu’s contributions to the Community Parliament and subregional democracy. He sympathised with the family over Sonia Ekweremadu’s health, saying her parents can best give medical and emotional assistance.
The House of Representatives believes their appeals will be heard and that the Ekweremadu family will get a fair and just penalty for their crime, taking into account their circumstances. They think clemency might sustain UK-Nigeria relations.
