Enugu State born politician and Philanthropist, Chief Chinedu Eya, has written King Charles III, pleading for a prerogative of Mercy for the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and wife, Beatrice over their conviction by a British court.
Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and Dr. Obeta were convicted by the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court for conspiracy to arrange the travel of a young man, addressed as David Nwamini to Britain in order to exploit him for his kidney, which was needed for the lawmaker’s sick daughter, Sonia, organ trafficking and harvesting.
While Ekweremadu will be spending 9 years and 8 months in prison, his wife was handed a 4 years 6 months term while their middleman medical doctor, Obinna Obeta will be in prison for 10 years.
But in a letter to the new Monarch made available to newsmen on Monday, Eya said the Ekweremadus were in a crossroad over their burning desire to save their ailing daughter.
The letter reads:
“Your Majesty, I wish to start this letter by congratulating Your Majesty on Your coronation.
“Having said that, It is equally important I inform you your coronation is coming on the heals of sentencing of my dearest brother and Nigerian former deputy senate president, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, his wife and doctor, Obinna Obeta to 9 years, 4 years and 10 years respectively in prison by an Old Bailey Court for violating British laws on Modern Slavery.
“The court’s action became so devastating to many of us in Enugu state and Nigeria in general because the lawmaker only got enmeshed in the whole controversy as a parent who was only desirous to save the life of his daughter Sonia.
“Sonia who is Ekweremadu’s daughter as I make this appeal is still writhing in pains and living on daily medication (Insulin) in a bid to survive her debilitating health challenge which has eventually led to her parents’ conviction.
“The young lady was in dire need of a Kidney transplant but unfortunately, her parents and their doctor went about the mission in the most unacceptable ways.
“Already, Ekweremadu and his wife have been convicted and sentenced accordingly and I plead that you graciously and mercifully invoke the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in favour of the couple,” he said.
