The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United Kingdom to facilitate the transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, so he can complete the remainder of his prison sentence in Nigeria.
This development comes more than two years after Ekweremadu, his wife, and a medical doctor were convicted in the UK for conspiring to harvest a young man’s organ for their ailing daughter—a case that drew global attention in 2023.
High-level delegation leads talks with UK government
According to Arise News, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered delegation to London to meet officials of the UK Ministry of Justice regarding Ekweremadu’s possible transfer to Nigeria under international prisoner transfer agreements.
The move is reportedly aimed at ensuring he serves the remaining part of his 9-year, 8-month sentence closer to home, where family access and rehabilitation processes may be easier to manage.
Background: Ekweremadu’s political career and conviction
Ike Ekweremadu, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, previously served as Deputy Senate President in the 8th National Assembly, from 2015 to 2019.
He represented the Ebonyi South Senatorial District, winning the senatorial seat in 2015 and later defeating Senator Eleka Utazi in a re-run election to secure his position.
During his tenure, he played a key role in several legislative efforts, including the passage of the National Budget and various constitutional amendment bills. He was regarded as one of the most influential lawmakers of his era.
Time already served in UK prison
Ekweremadu has so far completed approximately three years of his sentence in a UK correctional facility.
The proposed transfer, if approved by both governments, would allow him to serve the remaining years in Nigeria’s prison system under similar custodial conditions, as required by international law.
Observers and legal analysts are closely monitoring the negotiations, as the case continues to attract significant public interest both in Nigeria and abroad.