Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Appeals to UK Government for Mercy on Organ Trafficking Conviction of Ike Ekweremadu

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has written a letter to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, in London, urging the UK government to show mercy in dealing with former Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is being tried for organ trafficking.

Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice, and a doctor, Dr. Obinna Obeta, were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to the United Kingdom with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey. The Ekweremadus were subsequently arrested and have been in the custody of UK authorities since they received complaints from the young man about their alleged plans to harvest his organ.

According to reports, the Ekweremadus are at risk of being sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 of the United Kingdom. However, in his letter dated April 3, 2023, Obasanjo called on the court and the UK government to show clemency towards the Ekweremadus.

While acknowledging the unpleasant and condemnable nature of their actions, Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the importance of warm relations between the UK and Nigeria, Ekweremadu’s position as a distinguished senator in the Nigerian parliament, and the urgent medical attention required by their daughter, whose health is in danger. He urged the court and the UK government to take into consideration the good character and parental instinct and care of the Ekweremadus in any punishment that may be meted out.

Obasanjo expressed the hope that the Ekweremadus have learnt from their distressing experience and will guide their future actions or inactions so that they continue to be outstanding members of their community and contribute fully to the good of the society in particular and the nation in general.

The letter from Obasanjo underscores the importance of mercy and clemency in the administration of justice. While it is important to hold individuals accountable for their actions, it is equally important to take into consideration mitigating circumstances and the potential impact of punishment on the individual and their loved ones. The call for mercy and clemency should be taken seriously by the court and the UK government in this case, as it would demonstrate the humane and compassionate approach to justice that is needed in our world today.