The United Kingdom (UK) has turned down a request from the Nigerian Federal government (FG) seeking the transfer of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to complete his jail term in Nigeria.

UK Declines Nigeria’s Appeal

Ekweremadu, who is currently in a UK prison, was convicted in 2023 for plotting to harvest the kidney of a young man.

Following the conviction, he was handed a sentence of nine years and eight months, making it one of the most widely reported organ-trafficking cases involving a Nigerian politician.

Federal Government’s Intervention Fails

A delegation from Nigeria led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice to negotiate Ekweremadu’s transfer.

The government asked that he be deported to Nigeria to complete his remaining sentence at home.

Why the Request Was Rejected

According to The Guardian UK, a source at the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the request was denied.

The UK reportedly believes Nigeria cannot guarantee that Ekweremadu will continue serving his sentence once he returns.

A UK source was quoted as saying: “The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law.”

Ekweremadu to Remain in UK Prison

With the rejection of the transfer request, Ekweremadu will now serve out his full sentence in the UK.

There is currently no indication that another appeal or request will be considered.

Update on Wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu

His wife, Beatrice Ekweremad who was also convicted received a four-and-a-half-year sentence.

She completed half of her term in custody and was released earlier this year. She has since returned to Nigeria.