Nigerian Senator Charged Over Organ-Harvesting Plot

A Nigerian senator has been charged over an alleged conspiracy to transport a 15-year-old boy to the UK in order to harvest his organs.

Ike Ekweremadu, 60, who is deputy president of the Nigerian Senate, was charged along with his wife Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, and the pair appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in west London today.

Bail was denied at the hearing and the couple were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on July 7th. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that the alleged victim has been taken into care and was being offered support.

The charges were brought following a police investigation launched last month, after potential offences under modern slavery legislation were discovered.

The court heard the prosecution needed permission to proceed with the case due to Mr Ekweremadd’s position in his native country.

Prosecutor Damla Ayas told the court: “In respect of these offences the (UK) Attorney General’s consent is required and the Crown require 14 days for that to be obtained.”