Reliable sources confirmed that the Federal Government is actively exploring prisoner transfer options in line with existing diplomatic frameworks between both nations.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, met with officials of the UK Ministry of Justice in London on Monday to discuss the development.
Following the talks, the delegation was hosted at the Nigerian High Commission in London by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu.
Speaking to Arise News on Monday night, the spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, confirmed that the consultations were ongoing and that a formal request had already been submitted for the prisoner transfer.
“Consultations are still ongoing with UK authorities. A formal appeal has been made for a prisoner exchange that will allow Senator Ekweremadu to serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria,” AbdulKadir said.
Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, were arrested in June 2022 by London’s Metropolitan Police after allegedly attempting to facilitate an organ transplant for their daughter using a 21-year-old Lagos street trader.
In March 2023, the UK court convicted Ekweremadu of organ trafficking under the UK Modern Slavery Act, sentencing him to nine years and eight months in prison. His wife received a four-year, six-month jail term, while a co-defendant, Dr. Obinna Obeta, got ten years.
Beatrice was released from custody in early 2025 and has since returned to Nigeria.
The case, which drew global attention, triggered diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the UK, shedding light on ethical lapses in transplant procedures and sparking reforms in both countries.
