The wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has been released from a UK prison and has returned to Nigeria.
Beatrice Ekweremadu’s arrival in Nigeria on Tuesday prompted a wave of celebrations in her hometown, with many people offering prayers for the safe return of her husband, who is still incarcerated in the United Kingdom.
She was found guilty alongside her husband, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Dr. Obinna Obeta for their roles in the organ trafficking case and sentenced to six years behind bars in the United Kingdom.
The case, centered around their attempt to traffic a young Nigerian man to the UK for organ harvesting.
Despite efforts by various influential figures and organizations in Nigeria and within to plead for leniency, their appeals did not succeed as the court found them guilty and sentenced the accused accordingly.
The court found them guilty under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015, describing the plan as a “horrific plot” that showed “utter disregard for the victim’s welfare, health, and wellbeing.”
This case marked a significant milestone, being the first conviction under the Modern Slavery Act related to organ trafficking.
Senator Ekweremadu was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Beatrice received a six-year sentence. Dr. Obinna Obeta, who was accused of facilitating the trafficking attempt, was also sentenced to prison.
