The House of Representatives has appealed for leniency from the United Kingdom government over the sentencing of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, for organ harvesting.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Toby Okechukwu (PDP-Enugu) at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, May 2, titled ‘Need for Clemency for Sen Ike Ekweremadu’.
Presenting the motion, Okechukwu said Ekweremadu acted based on his limited knowledge of the UK laws, stressing that he must have learnt the bitter lessons.
“Ekweremadu acted within his limited knowledge of the UK laws and did write to the UK High Commission to support the medical visa application for the potential donor and did declare the purpose of the trip.
“Ekweremadu and his wife acted under the natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes,” he said.
READ ALSO: ‘Temper justice with mercy’: Obasanjo writes UK court, pleads for Ekweremadu
The lawmaker stated that it was a common practice in international relations for nations, including the UK, to seek relief for their citizens involved in situations such as that of the Ekweremadus.
“I want to ask my honourable colleagues, Mr Speaker, to bring the full weight of this parliament, both formally and informally, and ask the British Government to remember the long-term relations we have had with them,” Okechukwu added.
Speaking, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Ekweremadu could still find justice before God and man, pleading with the UK government to consider the noble acts of Ekweremadu and temper justice with mercy.
The Central Criminal Court had, on March 23, 2023, found Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice, daughter, Sonia, and their doctor, Obinna Obeta, guilty of organ trafficking.
The quartet were convicted for the offence, after a six-week trial at the court.
Ekweremadu, his wife, and Obeta were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a 21-year-old Lagos street trader, Ukpo, to London to exploit him for his kidney.
The former Deputy Senate President is due to be sentenced on May 5 at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey in the UK.
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