Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani has made a passionate appeal to the United Kingdom government to approve the repatriation of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to Nigeria. This request comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to bring the convicted politician back home.
Diplomatic Appeal for Ekweremadu's Return
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Monday, Shehu Sani emphasized the strong historical and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He argued that this longstanding partnership should influence the UK's decision regarding Ekweremadu's case.
"The UK should accede to the request of the Federal Government and allow Senator Ekweremadu to return home and complete his term," Sani stated. He further added that "cooperation on this matter would strengthen bilateral trust" and noted that "one day, the UK may also request such favours from Nigeria."
Nigerian Government's Persistent Efforts
The appeal from Shehu Sani comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration continues to push for the transfer of Ekweremadu's case to Nigerian authorities. Last week, a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice to formally present the repatriation request.
However, the United Kingdom government has rejected the proposal. According to sources cited by The Guardian UK, officials expressed concerns that Ekweremadu may not complete his sentence if repatriated to Nigeria.
The Organ Trafficking Conviction
Ike Ekweremadu, 63, is currently serving a nine-year and eight-month sentence in a UK facility following his 2023 conviction for conspiring to harvest the kidney of a young man. The organ was intended for a transplant for his daughter who suffers from kidney disease.
The case marked several significant legal precedents:
- First organ trafficking conviction under the UK's Modern Slavery Act
- Ekweremadu identified as the "driving force" behind the scheme
- Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson described the actions as "despicable trade"
- The judge stated organ harvesting constitutes a form of slavery
Beatrice Ekweremadu, the senator's wife, received a four-year and six-month sentence and has since returned to Nigeria after serving half of her term. Dr Obinna Obeta, a co-conspirator in the case, was sentenced to ten years with two-thirds to be served in custody.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson noted that Ekweremadu's conviction represented a "very substantial fall from grace" for the prominent politician. The case continues to attract significant attention in Nigeria, where both government officials and civil society groups maintain pressure for his return to complete any remaining legal processes on home soil.
