The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has commended the Federal Government’s efforts to secure the repatriation of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from the United Kingdom to Nigeria to complete his prison sentence.
Ekweremadu, who was convicted in May 2023 under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act for organ trafficking, is currently serving a nine-year, eight-month jail term. The conviction followed an attempt to bring a 21-year-old Lagos street trader to the UK for a kidney transplant intended for his ailing daughter, Sonia. His wife, Beatrice, was sentenced to four years and six months and was released earlier this year, while their associate, Dr. Obinna Obeta, received a ten-year sentence.
Confirming the latest development, Alkasim AbdulKadir, spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed to Arise News that the Nigerian government is in talks with UK authorities to facilitate Ekweremadu’s transfer under a prisoner exchange agreement. According to him, the proposal has already been tabled before the UK Ministry of Justice.
A Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, recently met with British officials to discuss the matter. The delegation later visited the Nigerian High Commission in London, where they were received by Acting High Commissioner, Mohammed Maidugu.
Speaking with The PUNCH, COSEYL President General, Goodluck Ibem, hailed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a “compassionate and humane gesture” toward Ekweremadu.
> “The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders wholeheartedly supports President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic initiative to enable Senator Ike Ekweremadu serve the remainder of his prison term in Nigeria,” Ibem said.
“This move demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens, regardless of their circumstances.”
Ibem added that the decision aligns with the principles of justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration, noting that Ekweremadu, as a respected national figure, deserves the opportunity to complete his sentence within his home country’s correctional system.
He further urged the UK government to cooperate with Nigeria on the matter, emphasizing that mutual understanding would strengthen bilateral ties and promote justice.
> “We trust President Tinubu’s administration to handle this sensitive issue with the seriousness it deserves. Senator Ekweremadu should be given the chance to serve his sentence closer to his family and community, where he can rebuild his life after incarceration,” Ibem stated.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, noted that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization has yet to deliberate on the matter and would therefore refrain from issuing a formal statement for now.
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