…as visa letter surfaces
Former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu wrote a letter to the British High Commission about a kidney donation for his daughter, it has been learnt.
A copy of the letter written by Ekweremadu to the UK High Commission in December 2021 surfaced on Thursday.
The former deputy senate president said in the letter that he was writing in support of a visa applicant scheduled for “medical investigations for a kidney donation to Ms Sonia Ekweremadu”.
He informed the UK High Commission that the donor and his daughter “will be at the Royal Free Hospital London”, adding that he would “be providing the necessary funding.”
He added, “I have enclosed a statement of my bank account.
“Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information. Please, accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
UK Metropolitan Police, on Thursday, charged Ekweremadu and his wife to court for allegedly bringing a child to the UK for organ harvesting.
The couple were said to have been charged following an investigation by the police’ specialist crime team.
The Metropolitan police added that investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.
According to the statement by the police on Thursday, “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.
“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.”
The child was said to have “been safeguarded”, while the police added that its operatives “are working closely with partners on continued support”.
Ekweremadu and his wife were arraigned before Uxbridge magistrates’ court on Thursday, but were denied bail and remanded in custody.
The case has been adjourned till July 7.