The United Kingdom has rejected a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to transfer former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to Nigeria to complete the remainder of his prison sentence.
The request, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, followed a high-level diplomatic visit to London earlier in November by a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. The delegation sought Ekweremadu’s repatriation under a 2014 prisoner-transfer agreement between both countries.
However, UK authorities declined the request after a review, insisting that conditions for prisoner transfer were not satisfactorily met. British officials reportedly expressed doubts about Nigeria’s capacity to enforce the full terms of Ekweremadu’s sentence once transferred.
Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and their associate, Dr. Obinna Obeta, were convicted in 2023 for conspiring to traffic a 21-year-old Nigerian to the UK for the purpose of harvesting his kidney for their ailing daughter. The conviction, handed down under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, was the first of its kind involving organ trafficking. Ekweremadu is currently serving a nine-year, eight-month sentence.
His wife, Beatrice, who received a shorter sentence, was released earlier this year and has since returned to Nigeria.
Reactions Trail UK’s Decision
Nigerian Government Sources
Government insiders expressed disappointment, describing the UK’s decision as “unfortunate” given Nigeria’s continued diplomatic engagement and assurances that Ekweremadu would serve his term under strict supervision.
Legal and Human Rights Advocates
Human rights groups in the UK welcomed the decision, insisting that the gravity of Ekweremadu’s offence warranted the full enforcement of his sentence within the jurisdiction where the crime was committed. They noted that the case sent a strong message against exploiting vulnerable individuals for organ trafficking.
Public Commentary in Nigeria
Reactions among Nigerians have been mixed. While some citizens sympathize with the senator’s family, particularly due to his daughter’s medical condition, others argue that justice should run its full course and that political influence should not dilute the consequences of such a serious crime.
International Observers
Several international analysts highlighted the case as a test of the UK’s stance on modern slavery and human trafficking. They commended the UK for maintaining a firm position and enforcing the standards of its criminal justice system regardless of the political status of the convict.
