Goodluck Ibem, President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, has supported the Federal Government’s decision to allow Ike Ekweremadu, the former Deputy Senate President, serve out the balance of his prison term in Nigeria.
After attempting to transport a 21-year-old street seller from Lagos 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 given a sentence of nine years and eight months in May 2023 and is still incarcerated; his wife, Beatrice, was given four years and six months and was freed early in 2025.
Dr. Obinna Obeta, a medical middleman, received a 10-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 United Kingdom over Ekweremadu’s transfer to a Nigerian
“We fully support the initiative to facilitate Senator Ekweremadu’s transfer to Nigeria to serve the balance 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 by a Nigerian delegation, including the Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with UK authorities.
“As Senator Ekweremadu works to reintegrate into society after serving his sentence, we think 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 situations involving notable individuals who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of society, while also acknowledging that it was not opposed to the necessity of a fair procedure.
“We urge the UK authorities to cooperate fully with the Nigerian government regarding this proposal,” Ibem stated. In addition to advancing justice, mutual comprehension and diplomatic interaction will promote goodwill among our countries.
“An appeal for prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria was tabled before the United Kingdom authorities,” he claimed.
A Nigerian team, which included Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Adegbite and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, reportedly met with representatives at the UK Ministry of Justice. Acting High Commissioner Mohammed Maidugu later welcomed the team at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Ibem urged UK authorities to fully cooperate and commended the Tinubu government for their compassion in the Ekweremadu case in a Tuesday interview.
“The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, the premier 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,” stated Ibem.
“We have faith that President Tinubu and his government can 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 a solution that serves everyone’s interests.
“We urge all parties involved to maintain open lines of communication and cooperate to find a quick solution. Senator Ike Ekweremadu should be given the chance to complete the balance of his sentence near his home, where he can rely on his family’s support.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s spokesperson, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, stated that the organization has not given it any thought. So, for the time being, no answer.
