Beatrice Ekweremadu, the wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a UK prison and has returned to Nigeria. Her arrival 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.
There were initial rumors suggesting that Mrs. Ekweremadu had been exonerated following a legal review. However, credible sources have dismissed these claims, confirming that her release came after she completed her six-year prison sentence. She served the full term following her conviction in the high-profile organ trafficking case, in which her husband, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and Dr. Obinna Obeta were also implicated.
The case, which resulted in the convictions of the Ekweremadus and Dr. Obeta, centered around their attempt to traffic a young Nigerian man to the UK for organ harvesting. 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.
Throughout the trial, various influential figures and organizations, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), appealed for leniency, emphasizing the senator's long-standing public service. However, their appeals did not succeed in altering the court's decision.
Beatrice Ekweremadu's return to Nigeria has sparked renewed hope among their supporters, who are optimistic that similar efforts may eventually help secure her husband's early release.
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