Former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu on Thursday appeared before Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court in London for the second time in one week.
He is facing charges of conspiracy to harvest the organs of a minor under Britain’s Modern Slavery Act.
Ekweremadu wore a grey tracksuit and spoke twice during his appearance to confirm his name and date of birth, a source told Channels TV.
The legislator’s two adult children were present in the public gallery alongside a large delegation from the Nigeria High Commission.
The court did not grant his wife Beatrice’s request to see him. The last time they saw each other was last Thursday at the hearing.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged minor David Ukpo is 15 years old. But the Ekweremadus say he is 21.
The court further heard that Ukpo was allegedly picked up off the street in Lagos by a criminal gang some months ago with the intention of organ harvesting.
The prosecution asked the court to remand Ekweremadu in police custody, arguing that he is an influential person, a flight risk and the case involves a child and modern slavery. The court granted the prayer.
The case has been adjourned to July 7 at Westminster Magistrate Court to enable the UK attorney general Suella Braverman to determine whether the case will be tried in the country or Nigeria.
