‘Organ Harvesting’: How London hospital blew whistle on the Ekweremadus

Nigeria’s former senate deputy president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, ran into trouble in the UK when a doctor at a hospital blew the whistle on them.

The doctor at the Royal Free in Camden became suspicious and alerted the authorities when he got conflicted with the actual age of a supposed organ donor presented at the hospital by the Ekweremadus.

Ekweremadu, 60, and wife, 55, were arraigned Thursday before Uxbridge Magistrates Court, charged with allegation of taking a homeless youngster to the UK from Nigeria, to transplant his organs into their daughter, Sonia, who is suffering from kidney failure.

The “15-year-old” at the centre of the Ekweremadu’s predicament was said to have been given the passport of a 41-year-old in order to get him into the UK, but did not know he was there to donate a kidney until he went for a hospital appointment in London, the court heard.

The court further heard that after he arrived in London in February, the “donor” had a string of medical appointments about kidney donation, but a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, North London, became concerned about the boy’s real age and if he knew he was there to donate an organ.

Prosecutor Damla Ayas told the court: “The victim was 15. In Nigeria he was approached by both defendants. He was homeless on the streets of Lagos. They deceived him and promised him a better life in the UK. He was given a passport for a 41-year-old. The passport was illegally obtained by these defendants.

“He was provided with a medical travel visa saying the purpose of the travel was to provide medical treatment for the defendants’ daughter who was undergoing dialysis in relation to a number of health issues.

“It was premeditated, it was planned. Blood tests were obtained in Nigeria and he travelled to the UK in February this year.

READ: Organ Harvesting: Ekweremadu, wife risk 18 years in jail on conviction

“He was taken to several medical appointments in particular a medical appointment at the Royal Free Hospital and was spoken to by a consultant about the organ harvesting for a kidney transplant.

“The consultant was concerned about his actual age and was concerned he was not aware he was the donor of the kidney. He only found out that the purpose of his visit was for an organ transplant when he visited the hospital.”

Police were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery laws last month.

Ekweremadu, currently representing Enugu West in the Nigerian senate, was said to have been in the UK for at least the past fortnight having met with members of the Nigerian community in Britain in Lincoln around 10 days ago. 

He had tweeted: “It was a pleasure and an honour to receive a letter of appointment by the University of Lincoln, UK, as Visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages. I also got a highly treasured gift – a copy of the Magna Carta. It was created in 1215, about 807 years ago.”

The couple was arrested two days ago at Heathrow Airport as they attempted to board a plane to Turkey – where it was suggested that the procedure could take place – the court heard.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart was said to have had £20,000 on him at the time of his arrest, according to prosecutors.

Ekweremadu and his accountant wife are charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

Prosecutor Damla Ayas said: “It is conspiracy in relation to human trafficking offences for the purposes of organ harvesting. The victim in this case is 15 years old.

READ: Ike Ekweremadu, wife stay in prison until July 7

“They, the couple, were interviewed at the police station. Both of the defendants have provided a prepared statement.

“Mr Ekweremadu in his prepared statement denied allegations of human trafficking.

“He said at no stage has he arranged transport for anyone with intention to exploit them.”

His wife similarly denied the allegations in her prepared statement, the court heard.

Gavin Irwin, representing Ekweremadu, said: “There is no question this is a serious allegation. Mr Ekweremadu is a member of the senate in Nigeria.

“He has previously held an even more senior role as deputy president of the senate.

“He is a member of the bar in Nigeria. He is a principal in a law firm that bears his name.

“Those issues taken together go way beyond him being a person of good character…rather that he has led a blameless life as a public servant.”

Mr Irwin added that the allegations were “nothing short of preposterous”.

Antonia Gray, for Mrs Ekweremadu, said: “She has never been complicit or involved in any alleged illegal trafficking of any young person.

“She is a financial accountant…with an unblemished record.”

The couple reportedly has a house in Willesden, northwest London, the court heard.

The prosecutor made an application to adjourn matters for 14 days.

Ms Ayas said: “In respect of these offences Attorney General consent is required and the Crown require 14 days for that to be obtained.”

Magistrate Lois Sheard said: “These are serious allegations and these matters are now adjourned until 7 July back here at Uxbridge.”

Ms Sheard remanded both defendants into custody ahead of their hearing next month.

The investigation that led to the eventual arrest of the Ekweremadus was launched by the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime team after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.

– Written with report from Daily Mail Online