Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has written to the United Kingdom’s Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey, requesting clemency for former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, who were found guilty of organ‑trafficking. Addressed to the Chief Clerk, the letter asks the clerk to intervene and urge the UK government to temper justice with mercy. Reports indicate that Ekweremadu faces a possible ten‑year sentence under the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015.
In his letter, Obasanjo begins by commending the Chief Clerk’s dedication, resourcefulness, and commitment to public service. He outlines his own background: commissioned into the British Army’s West African Frontier Force in 1958, rising to full General in the Nigerian Army, receiving the Biafran surrender, serving as military Head of State (1976‑1979), and as elected President (1999‑2007).
Obasanjo then speaks of his long‑standing relationship with Senator Ekweremadu, whom he has known for over two decades. He recalls their shared political journey during Nigeria’s democratic rebirth, noting Ekweremadu’s election to the Senate in 2003 and his service as Deputy Senate President, as well as his leadership of numerous committees. In 2009, Ekweremadu was appointed First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS and led an ad‑hoc committee to restore constitutional order in Niger. Obasanjo also highlights Ekweremadu’s role in securing the South‑East’s unanimous support for his own presidential candidacy in 1999, praising his God‑fearing, moderate, and pan‑Nigerian approach.
The former president further acknowledges Ekweremadu’s charitable work through the Ikeoha Foundation, founded in 1997, which has improved access to education and healthcare for the poor. He notes Ekweremadu’s national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), as evidence of his selfless service to Nigeria.
Obasanjo expresses awareness of the convictions in the United Kingdom, where the Ekweremadus were charged with conspiring to bring a 21‑year‑old Nigerian to the UK for organ harvesting for their daughter. While condemning the act as unacceptable, he appeals for leniency, citing the importance of UK‑Nigeria relations, Ekweremadu’s distinguished parliamentary position, and the daughter’s urgent medical needs. He urges the clerk to ask the court and the UK government to consider their good character and parental instincts when determining punishment.
Finally, Obasanjo hopes the Ekweremadus have learned from this distressing episode and will continue to be exemplary members of their community, contributing positively to society and the nation. He closes with assurances of his highest consideration.
Comments are closed for this story.