FG’s Initiative to Repatriate Ekweremadu from UK Praised by Igbo Group

Goodluck Ibem, the 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 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 sentenced to nine years and eight months in May 2023 and is still incarcerated; his wife, Beatrice, was freed early in 2025 after serving four years and six months.

Ten years was the penalty imposed on Dr. Obinna Obeta, a medical middleman.
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 in discussions with the UK about 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 in our country’s correctional facilities.”

“Ongoing talks and high-level meetings with UK authorities by a Nigerian delegation, which includes the Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlight the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the interests of its citizens, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding their predicament.

“As Senator Ekweremadu works to reintegrate into society following 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 also acknowledging that it was not opposed to the necessity of a fair procedure.

“We urge the UK authorities to fully cooperate with the Nigerian government regarding this proposal,” stated Ibem. In addition to advancing justice, mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement will promote goodwill among our countries.

“The United Kingdom authorities were presented with an appeal for prisoner exchange so that he could serve the remainder of his sentence 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 of the UK Ministry of Justice. Later, Acting High Commissioner Mohammed Maidugu welcomed the team at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

In a Tuesday interview, Ibem urged 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,” stated Ibem.

We have faith that President Tinubu and his government will 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 conclusions and 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 family, where he can rely on their support.

Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, a representative for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stated, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo has not deliberated on it.” Thus, there is currently no reply.