Goodluck Ibem, President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, has supported the Federal Government’s decision to have Ike Ekweremadu, the former Deputy Senate President, complete his prison term in Nigeria.
After trying to transport a 21-year-old Lagos street seller to the UK for a kidney transplant for his daughter Sonia, Ekweremadu was found guilty of organ trafficking in the UK.
Under the UK Modern Slavery Act, he was sentenced to nine years and eight months in May 2023 and is still incarcerated; his wife, Beatrice, was released early in 2025 after receiving a term of four years and six months.
Dr. Obinna Obeta, a medical middleman, received a ten-year sentence.
Regarding the most recent developments in Ekweremadu’s case, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson, Alkasim AbdulKadir, told Arise News on Tuesday that the Federal Government was consulting with the UK over Ekweremadu’s transfer to a Nigerian
“We fully support the initiative to facilitate Senator Ekweremadu’s transfer to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his prison sentence within our country’s correctional facilities.”
“The Federal Government’s commitment to safeguard the interests of its citizens, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their predicament, is demonstrated by the ongoing discussions and high-level meetings held with UK authorities by a Nigerian delegation that includes the Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“As Senator Ekweremadu attempts to reintegrate into society after serving his sentence, we believe this endeavor reflects a compassionate approach, rooted in the values of justice and rehabilitation.”
The South-East zone presented a case for the respectful handling of the cases of notable individuals who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of society, while acknowledging that it was not opposed to the necessity of a fair procedure.
“We implore the UK authorities to fully cooperate with the Nigerian government regarding this proposal,” Ibem stated. In addition to advancing justice, mutual understanding and diplomatic interaction will strengthen ties between our countries.
“An appeal for prisoner exchange was tabled before the United Kingdom authorities for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria,” he stated.
A Nigerian team, which included Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Adegbite and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, reportedly met with representatives from the UK Ministry of Justice. Acting High Commissioner Mohammed Maidugu subsequently welcomed the team to the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ibem asked UK authorities to fully cooperate and commended the Tinubu government for demonstrating compassion in the Ekweremadu matter.
“The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, the leading socio-political youth organization in the South East geopolitical zone, wishes to express its unwavering support and commendation for President Bola Tinubu’s recent diplomatic efforts concerning the case of our esteemed leader, former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu,” Ibem stated.
“We have faith in President Tinubu and his government to handle this delicate matter with the seriousness it requires. The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders is still hopeful that these talks will result in constructive outcomes and, eventually, a solution that serves everyone’s interests.
We urge all parties involved to maintain open lines of communication and cooperate in order to find a quick solution. Senator Ike Ekweremadu should be given the chance to serve out the balance of his sentence near his family, where he can rely on their support.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not deliberated on it,” stated Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the organization’s spokesperson. Therefore, no reply at this time.
