Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice, and a doctor have been convicted of organ trafficking, in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.
They were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.
Following Ekweremadu’s conviction, social media users in their numbers stated that the case would have been different had he been charged in Nigeria, stating that the Senator would have found a way to escape justice.
Some others spared a thought for Ekweremadu’s daughter Sonia, who is set to be without both parents for a lengthy spell, while still battling her illness.
Here are some reactions gathered by The Quest Times:
@lollypeezle: If Ike Ekweremadu had done that in Nigeria; DSS would have arrested all of us that tweeted against the bad act for Cyberbullying. Ike would have won reelection. Nigerian Police go don arrest victim for inciting the public. But adupe, It didn’t happen in Naija. Ewon straight.
@Mbahdeyforyou: Imagine say this Ike Ekweremadu case happen for Nigeria, our police for still dey tell us investigations is on going
@Spotlight_Abby: If he was caught in Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu would have joined the “It is my turn to become the Senate President” wagon. “Caught” is even the wrong word. Who wan catch am sef? People that’d be his accomplices and errand boys? Highest, would just be a blog reveal & some arrests.
@elnathan_john: Senator Ike Ekweremadu of Nigeria found guilty of an organ harvesting plot where they illegally negotiated to purchase a body part from street trader in Nigeria. Good to see a place where Nigerian politicians cannot escape justice. Sadly this is very common in Nigeria.
@Northorious: Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, wife and Dr Obeta found guilty of organ trafficking, and may face 12 years imprisonment. If na Naija this man for don collect 5Million in bail, the run and re-elect as Senator again. The boy in question sef for de jail for defamation of a senator.
@PoojaMedia: A former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; his wife Beatrice and their doctor have been convicted of organ trafficking, in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.
@novieverest: Nigerian politician Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Ekere have been found guilty in the UK of organ trafficking. Nigerian politicians can’t survive in a country where laws work.
@TonyeBarcanista: This time last year, Ike Ekweremadu was aspiring for Enugu State Government House, one year on he’s ending up at UK Prison. I wish him well.
@drpenking: If Ike Ekweremadu was arrested in Nigeria, he would have been freed since. You would hear one nonsense English like “The evidence presented before the court lacks primum facie interrum.
@CaptArinze: I feel sad for Ike Ekweremadu’s daughter. I hope she gets the help she needs.
@isaac__richi: My own in this Ike Ekweremadu and Beatrice conviction is what exactly happens to their sick daughter??