Serving Senator and former Deputy President of Nigeria’s upper legislative arm: The Senate – Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife - Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, have been charged with conspiring to arrange the travel of a child into the UK in order to harvest organs.
Senator Ike and Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu
Senator Ike (right) and Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu
A statement from London’s Metropolitan Police indicated that the charges follow an investigation by its Specialist Crime team.
The statement read:
“[A] Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
“[B] Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
“They have both been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later today.”
Police said the investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation last month.
It added that “A child has been safeguarded and we are working closely with partners on continued support.
“As criminal proceedings are now under way we will not be providing further details.”