UK Rejects Federal Government’s Request for Ekweremadu to Complete Prison Term in Nigeria
The United Kingdom has officially rejected a request by the Federal Government of Nigeria seeking the transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to complete his jail sentence in Nigeria.
Ekweremadu, who was convicted alongside his wife, Beatrice, and a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta, for organ trafficking in 2023, is currently serving his sentence in a UK facility. The Nigerian government had reportedly appealed to the UK authorities, citing diplomatic grounds and the possibility of Ekweremadu serving the remainder of his term under Nigerian correctional supervision.
However, UK officials have communicated that the request cannot be granted, maintaining that Ekweremadu must serve his full sentence as handed down by the British court. According to sources close to the matter, the UK insisted that the nature of the offence and the international legal standards involved do not support a transfer at this time.
The decision has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with some describing it as a blow to diplomatic efforts, while others argue that the UK’s refusal underscores the seriousness of the crime and the independence of its judicial system.
The Federal Government is yet to issue an official statement in response to the UK’s stand.
