ECOWAS Parliament Pleads For Leniency As Ekweremadu Awaits UK Court Sentence

 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has written to the government of the United Kingdom, appealing for leniency in the sentencing of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; and his wife, Beatrice, on Friday, May 5.

 Recall that on March 23, the Ekweremadus and their doctor, Obiann Obeta, having been tried for allegations of organ trafficking, were found guilty by the Old Bailey court in the UK, of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain on behalf of Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia, with a view to his exploitation.

 In a letter dated April 6, 2023 and addressed to the Chief Clerk of The Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy.

 Listing several of the achievements of the embattled former deputy speaker in the ECOWAS Parliament, Tunis decried his “long absence” since June 2022, saying it would be “dreadful” if he faces a long prison sentence.

 “In view of all these, therefore, I wish to fervently appeal to the honorable court, on behalf of the ECOWAS Parliament, for leniency in meting out justice to the couple.

“We understand the position of the law, but only appeal that the honorable court puts on a human face in this circumstance and temper justice with mercy, especially considering his good behavior and contributions to the good of the society, the less privileged, and democracy.” the letter reads.