South-East Youth Leaders Back FG’s Move to Transfer Ekweremadu’s Prison Term to Nigeria

The President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem, has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s efforts to have former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, complete his prison sentence in Nigeria.

Ekweremadu was convicted in the United Kingdom in May 2023 under the UK Modern Slavery Act for organ trafficking after attempting to bring a 21-year-old Lagos street vendor to Britain for a kidney transplant for his daughter, Sonia. He was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, while his wife, Beatrice, received four years and six months but was released earlier in 2025. Their associate, Dr. Obinna Obeta, received a 10-year sentence.

Speaking on the latest development, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim AbdulKadir, confirmed to Arise News on Tuesday that the Federal Government had initiated talks with the UK authorities to facilitate Ekweremadu’s transfer to a Nigerian correctional facility. A Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, met with officials of the UK Ministry of Justice before being received at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

Commending the Tinubu administration’s diplomatic intervention, Ibem described the move as an act of compassion and justice. “The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders wholeheartedly supports the Federal Government’s efforts to enable Senator Ekweremadu to serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria,” he said. “This demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens, regardless of their situation.”

Ibem emphasized that the initiative reflects a humane approach focused on rehabilitation and reintegration. He urged the UK government to cooperate fully with Nigeria, adding that such diplomatic collaboration would strengthen relations between both countries. “Senator Ekweremadu deserves the chance to serve his sentence close to his family, where he can receive the support needed for his reintegration,” he added.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, stated that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation had not yet discussed the matter and would refrain from commenting for now.