Ex-MP Ike Ekweremadu and wife caught in chilling organ trafficking plot
Guilty of Kidney Harvest Conspiracy
Ike Ekweremadu, 60, his wife Beatrice, 56, and Dr Obinna Obeta, 51, have been found guilty at the Old Bailey. They conspired to traffic a man from Nigeria to the UK to harvest his kidney for their daughter’s transplant.
Heartbreaking Motive: Daughter’s Illness Behind Crime
Their daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu, desperately needed a kidney transplant due to failing kidneys and regular dialysis. The trio worked together, using contacts in Nigeria to hunt for a suitable donor victim. The man was found selling telephone parts in Lagos markets before being lured to London under false pretences.
Victim’s Brave Escape Exposes Horrific Plot
- February 2022: The man arrived in London, under the control and financial grip of the conspirators.
- He was promised money (£2,400 or £7,000) and work in the UK in exchange for his kidney.
- He was coached to lie, claiming he and Sonia were cousins to secure a visa.
- At The Royal Free Hospital, doctors grew suspicious and stopped the transplant.
- In May 2022, the victim reported himself to Staines Police Station, exposing the trafficking ring.
Police and CPS Praise Victim’s Courage
“This was a horrific plot to exploit a vulnerable victim,” said Joanne Jakymec, Chief Crown Prosecutor. “The defendants showed utter disregard for his health and well-being, controlling him with calculated cruelty.”
Detective Inspector Esther Richardson added: “This landmark conviction couldn’t have been achieved without the victim’s courage and our partners’ tireless efforts. We are committed to supporting victims of modern slavery fully.”
The Metropolitan Police’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Command vow to continue fighting such chilling crimes. The CPS remains determined to bring traffickers to justice.
