The former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Thursday, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court in London, facing charges under Britain’s Modern Slavery Act.
The case has been adjourned to July 7 at Westminster Magistrate Court to allow the UK Attorney General, Suella Braverman, determine whether the case will be tried in the country or Nigeria.
According to Channels TV, the case was fast-tracked, adding that the embattled politician was in good shape, dressed in a grey tracksuit, and spoke twice during his appearance to confirm his name and date of birth.
The request of his wife, Beatrice, who had asked the court in her defence to allow her appear by his side because she has not seen him since the last Thursday’s hearing was not granted.
The prosecutor claims that David Ukpo, who alleged that he was forced to donate his kidney to the Senator’s ailing daughter, is 15 years.
According to court, David was allegedly picked off the street in Lagos by a criminal gang some months ago with the plan of harvesting his organ.
Ekweremadu was remanded in custody as the court claimed that he is an influential person, a flight risk and the case involves a child and modern slavery.
The news of Ekweremadus’ arrest broke out last Thursday over an allegation of trying to harvest an organ of a minor to save their daughter’s life.
A large delegation from the Nigeria High Commission was also present in the public gallery alongside the Senator’s two adult children.
Punch