UK court to sentence Ekweremadu, wife, doctor today

A UK court will today, Friday, hand sentence to a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta, following their conviction for organ trafficking in March.

They might face a possible 10- year jail term for violating the Modern Slavery Act.

The verdict will be first of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.

The trio of Ekweremadu, Beatrice and Obeta were convicted of conspiracy to arrange the travel of a young Nigerian man who was identified as David Nwamini to Britain in order to exploit him for his kidney.

The organ was needed for Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia.

Their trial lasted for six weeks and conviction at the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court, is expected today.

The Prosecutor, Hugh Davies told the jury that the behaviour of Ekweremadu showed “entitlement, dishonesty and hypocrisy”.

Ekweremadu and wife, Beatrice denied the charge.

They denied any knowledge of the alleged conspiracy.

They also told the court they were the victim of a scam.

Obeta, on his part also denied the charge, claiming that the man was not offered a reward for his kidney and was acting altruistically.

Meanwhile, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had written to the British authorities pleading on behalf of the legislator to temper justice with mercy, while delivering the sentence.

Also, Igbo socio cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Nigerian Senate, the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) had joined the fray asking the British Authorities for leniency on the embattled lawmaker.