News Editor
A letter that accompanied the visa application of an alleged homeless child showed Senator Ike Ekweremadu informed the UK authorities that he was taking the person abroad for a kidney transplant for his daughter.
The document seen by Peoples Gazette showed Mr Ekweremadu applied for visa for David Ukpo on December 28, 2021.
“I am writing in support of the visa application made by Mr Ukpo Nwamini David who is currently having medical investigations for a kidney donation to Ms Sonia Ekweremadu.
“David and Sonia will be at the Royal Free Hospital London, and I will be providing the necessary funding. I have enclosed a statement of my bank account,” the letter said.
Mr Ekweremadu was arrested on June 23 over charges he tried to smuggle in a child to the UK for organ harvesting.
The Nigerian senator appeared in court on Thursday afternoon in London and was denied bail. His wife Beatrice is also standing trial for the same charges.
TMSnews had earlier reported the arrest of Ekweremadu and his wife by the London Metropolitan Police. The police said the duo have been remanded in custody and the child is confirmed to be safe.
It was gathered that the investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.
Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the pair were charged to court on Thursday following an investigation by the police’ specialist crime team.
“Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting,” the statement reads.
“Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
“They have both been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later today.”
“A child has been safeguarded and we are working closely with partners on continued support.
“As criminal proceedings are now under way we will not be providing further details.”
A man and a woman have been charged with conspiring to arrange to bring a child to the UK to harvest organs, the Metropolitan police said.
Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, and Ike Ekweremadu, 60, from Nigeria, are charged with conspiracy to harvest organs.
The charges involve arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting, the Met said in a statement.
