David Ukpo Nwanmini, the alleged victim of organ trafficking involving Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, in the United Kingdom, has admitted before the West Minister Magistrates Court that he is actually 21 years old.
Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice were arrested by the British police on June 23 on allegations of human trafficking and organ harvesting that violate the country’s Modern Slavery Act.
The police authorities had accused the lawmaker of conspiring to bring a child to the UK for organ harvesting, identifying the victim as a 15-year-old minor.
The Uxbridge Magistrate Court had earlier adjourned the case to Thursday, July 7, after refusing Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, bail.
The court had adjourned to determine whether the trial of the Ekweremadus, could continue in the UK over alleged conspiracy to traffic a “minor” into the country for “organ harvesting”.
At the resume trial on Thursday, the victim, Nwamini admitted he was not a minor as earlier claimed, indicating his real age to be 21 years.
While Gavin Irwin was the counsel who represented Ekweremadu, his wife, was represented by Szilvia Booker.
Giving his opening address, Irwin, denied any form of exploitation in the case involving the Senator,.
“We deny that there was exploitation or intent to do so”, he said.
Irwin argued that the victim, Nwamini lied about his age but the prosecution insisted that he is a minor.
However, the court subsequently ruled that the victim is not a minor but an adult, who is of full age, 21 years old.
Based on the judge’s ruling, the victim, David Ukpo, is no longer considered a minor in the trial.
The court however ordered the continued remand of Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, pending their appearances at the Central Criminal Court in London on August 4, 2022.
However, there was a show of support from the Nigerian High Commission in the UK at the court on Thursday.
Also, a number of Nigerians including lawmakers from the national Assembly were on ground in solidarity with Senator Ekweremadu.
Former Senate President David Mark, whom Ekweremadu worked with; former senate minority leader, Eyinnanya Abaribe; former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Adamu Bulkachuwa, were all in court.
