The trial of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu and three others continued on Monday at the Old Bailey court in Central England, United Kingdom. Four were accused of conspiring to exploit a 22-year-old Lagos street trader for his kidney.
Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, daughter Sonia, and doctor Obinna Obeta were arrested on June 23, 2022, on allegations of human trafficking and organ harvesting violating the UK’s Modern Slavery Act and subsequently charged with conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
The victim gave his testimony through an Interpreter at the continuation of the trial on Monday. He stated that he had arrived in the UK on February 20, 2022, to provide his kidney to Sonia Ekweremadu, who suffers from significant kidney disease.
NewsedUP Reporter observed that the court’s gallery was filled with people eager to monitor the events in the temple of justice.
In Britain, it is legal to donate a kidney, but not for reward. The Prosecutors argued that the wealthy Nigerians committed a crime, regardless of whether the victim had consented.
Channels Television reported on February 6, 2023, how the four accused persons had appeared in London’s famous Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, for the start of the trial, after pleading not guilty. They face life imprisonment if convicted.
The trial continues, and more witnesses are expected to give their testimony.
