For undisclosed reasons Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu appeared before the Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court in London again today, 7 days earlier than expected, to continue their defense on the “organ harvesting” trial.
The senator representing Enugu West senatorial constituency of Enugu State was arraigned before same Magistrate last week and was denied bail, along with his wife, both of whom were accused of facilitating the travel of a “child” into the United Kingdom for illegal organ transplant.
They are being tried under the British Modern Slavery Act, which forbids forced organ transplant or induced organ donation by a child. The organ donor, David Ukpo Nwanini in the present case involving the senator claims to be a child of 15 years.
This has however, being debunked by contrary facts from the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), which produced the donor`s international passport, explaining that the David Ukpo is an adult of 21 years old.
Until today the prosecutor in the case did not disclose much details about the facts constituting the offence for which the senator and his wife were arrested and being tried.
Clariform have now gathered that the UK prosecutor today further disclosed in court that David Ukpo also alleged that the two accused persons arranged for him to be picked up from a street in Lagos by criminal gang, and brought him to London to donate his organ without his consent.
Clariform correspondent who was in court on Thursday to observe proceedings confirmed that Senator Ekweremadu who was kitted in grey colour sporty wear, and his wife were both in good spirit.
Present in court during Thursday proceeding were two children of Senator Ekweremadu. Also present was a delegation from the Nigerian High Commission, London.
Clariform reports that the Enugu born Senator may have been separated from his wife since their last court appearance, which a source disclosed to Clariform correspondent could be for the purpose of “preserving evidence” in the case.
Ekweremadu`s wife was observed requesting the court to allow her to sit with her husband in court, but was denied the request.
They were both once again denied bail, which according to the prosecutor`s argument is due to the fact that Ekweremadu, being a highly placed individual may pull strings to evade trial. The court therefore agreed that the accused is a flight risk and remanded them in police custody till 7th of July.
Clariform further reports that the UK Attorney General, Suella Braverman will further be reviewing the case with a view to determining whether there will be continuation of the trial in the UK, or transfer to Nigeria for continuation.
