Former deputy senate president, Mr. Ike Ekweremadu and wife, Beatrice were yesterday remanded after a West Minster Magistrate’s Court ascertained that the alleged kidney donor, David Nwamini is 21 years old and not 15 as earlier claimed.
The court, however, adjourned the case till August 4
Recall that Ekweremadu and wife who were arrested last month by the London Metropolitan police, are standing trial for alleged conspiracy to arrange/facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
However, the Ekweremadus claimed that Nwamini was in the UK as a kidney donor for their daughter, Sonia.
In yesterday’s ruling, the court held that Nwamini is not a minor and adjourned the matter to August 4 for continuation of trial.
Nwamini had claimed to be a minor but the defendants’ lawyers argued that the victim lied about his age while the prosecution insisted that he is a minor.
Gavin Irwin represented Ekweremadu, while Szilvia Booker represented the wife.
The defendants’ lawyers also informed the court of a bail application they intend to file in the first week of August.
A high-powered delegation led by the former senate president, Mr. David Mark, attended the court’s session in solidarity with Ekweremadu.
Others were former senate minority leader, Mr. Enyinnaya Abaribe; former minister of state for education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; and chairman, senate committee on foreign affairs, Mr. Adamu Bulkachuwa, and officials of the Nigerian High commission.
