More details surrounding Ike Ekweremadu and wife UK arrest emerge
By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe
Fresh details have emerged on the controversies trailing the arrest of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, former Nigeria’s deputy senate president and his wife, Beatrice by the United Kingdom authorities.
The Nigerian politician and his wife were arrested and arraigned for conspiracy to arrange the travel of a child, child trafficking, potential modern slavery, and organ harvesting in the UK on Thursday.
The couple appeared in court on Thursday afternoon in London and were denied bail.
In new twist, a letter that accompanied the visa application of an alleged homeless child showed that Senator Ike Ekweremadu informed the UK authorities that he was taking the person abroad for a kidney transplant for his daughter.
The document seen by THE WITNESS showed Mr Ekweremadu applied for visa for David Ukpo on December 28, 2021.
“I am writing in support of the visa application made by Mr Ukpo Nwamini David who is currently having medical investigations for a kidney donation to Ms Sonia Ekweremadu.
“David and Sonia will be at the Royal Free Hospital London, and I will be providing the necessary funding. I have enclosed a statement of my bank account,” the letter said.
A close source to the Ekweremadus told reporters that the PDP senator was not involved in any organ trafficking.
“Senator Ekweremadu has a daughter who needs a transplant. A willing donor was seen in Nigeria and travel preparations were made. He did write to the British High Commission, explaining the situation. The donor travelled to the UK with the patient. The donor is a 21 year old man and not a girl. He is not a minor. As it happened, the organ did not even match. Not wanting to return to Nigeria, the donor went to report that he was trafficked to London for possible organ harvest, believing same would guarantee him asylum.” the source said.