Nigerian senator sentenced to nine years in prison in UK organ harvesting scheme

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and Dr. Obinna Obeta were sentenced to nine years and eight months, four years and six months, and 10 years in prison respectively for trafficking a 21-year-old street trader to the UK for his kidney. Prosecutors said the victim was brought to the UK after being offered a reward of up to £7,000 ($8,810) and the promise of work in the country, but was unaware that he was expected to provide a kidney in return. A medical consultant called off the planned transplant after becoming suspicious of the circumstances surrounding it and the victim fled, sleeping rough for days before reporting the plan to UK police. 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, with the victim having limited understanding of what was really going on. Detective Inspector Esther Richardson, from the Met’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Command, said this was a landmark conviction and we commend the victim for his bravery in speaking against these offenders.