The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has lauded the Federal Government’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate the repatriation of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his prison sentence.
Ekweremadu, convicted in the United Kingdom in May 2023 for organ trafficking under the UK Modern Slavery Act, was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison. His wife, Beatrice, received a four-year, six-month sentence and was released earlier in 2025, while their associate, Dr. Obinna Obeta, was handed a ten-year term.
Confirming the latest development, the spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim AbdulKadir, told Hobnob News that the Federal Government was engaging UK authorities over a prisoner exchange arrangement to allow Ekweremadu serve his term in Nigeria.
He said, “An appeal for prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria was tabled before the United Kingdom authorities.”
A Nigerian delegation, comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, reportedly met with officials of the UK Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian High Commission in London to advance discussions on the matter.
Speaking to Hobnob News, the President General of COSEYL, Hon. Goodluck Ibem, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its “compassionate and diplomatic approach” toward Ekweremadu’s case.
“We wholeheartedly back the initiative to facilitate Senator Ekweremadu’s transfer to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his prison sentence within our nation’s correctional facilities,” Ibem said.
He added that the move reflects the government’s commitment to justice and rehabilitation, stressing that the ongoing dialogue with the UK demonstrates Nigeria’s willingness to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens, regardless of circumstances.
“We urge the UK authorities to cooperate fully with the Nigerian government regarding this proposal,” Ibem continued. “Mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement will not only serve the interests of justice but also strengthen bilateral relations.”
Ibem further appealed for a dignified and humane resolution of Ekweremadu’s situation, emphasizing his contributions to national development and leadership in the South-East region.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, told Hobnob News that the group had not yet deliberated on the matter and would comment after formal discussions.
— Hobnob News 📰
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