Parents and Doctor Guilty of Organ Trafficking Plot at Old Bailey
Ike Ekweremadu, 60, his wife Beatrice, 56, and Dr Obinna Obeta, 51, have been found guilty of conspiring to traffic a man to the UK for harvesting his kidney. The shocking case unfolded at the Old Bailey, exposing a chilling organ harvesting racket.
Desperate Bid to Save Daughter Leads to Ruthless Crime
The trio hatched the plan to help their daughter Sonia Ekweremadu, who suffers from failing kidneys and needs constant dialysis. Evidence from the Metropolitan Police and CPS revealed the couple, with Dr Obeta, sought vulnerable men in Nigeria to donate kidneys illegally for Sonia’s transplant.
The victim, a Lagos-based mobile phone trader, was lured with promises of work and payment of either £2,400 or £7,000. In February 2022, he was brought to London, kept under the defendants’ strict control, and prepared for surgery to remove his kidney.
Victim’s Courage Exposes Dark Trade in London
The plot was uncovered when the victim bravely went to Staines Police Station in May 2022 to report his trafficking and forced organ donation scheme. At The Royal Free Hospital, suspicion from a consultant halted the transplant after the victim underwent kidney screening. Medical staff sensed something was wrong.
The defendants tried to disguise their plan by falsely claiming the victim was Sonia’s cousin to secure his UK visa and coached him to lie during medical assessments.
Authorities Praise Victim’s Bravery and Teamwork Behind Conviction
Joanne Jakymec, Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “This was a horrific plot to exploit a vulnerable victim by trafficking him to the UK for the purpose of transplanting his kidney.”
“The convicted defendants showed utter disregard for the victim’s welfare, health and well-being and used their considerable influence to a high degree of control throughout.”
Detective Inspector Esther Richardson from the Met’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Command added: “This is a landmark conviction and we commend the victim for his bravery in speaking against these offenders.”
“We could not have done this without our colleagues in the CPS, Human Tissue Authority and other partners, who have worked tirelessly to achieve this result.”
“Specialist officers understand the complexities of modern slavery cases and will ensure victims receive full support and protection.”
The CPS remains dedicated to working with law enforcement to bring traffickers and exploiters of vulnerable victims to justice.
