Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a United Kingdom prison and has returned to Nigeria.
Reports indicate she arrived in the country on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and is currently in Abuja.
Beatrice and her husband were convicted in May 2023 on charges related to organ harvesting and trafficking.
While Ike Ekweremadu received a 10-year sentence, Beatrice was sentenced to six years, despite citing health challenges in court. The convictions also included a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta, who was part of the plot.
Beatrice was granted bail while her husband remained in custody. “The position is that I have granted bail to Beatrice subject to some fairly stringent conditions but I have refused bail to Ike,” Daily Mail quoted Judge Richard Marks as having ruled.
Upon her return, Beatrice was warmly welcomed with prayers and jubilation. Community members expressed joy over her release and held a hopeful stance on her husband’s eventual return.
According to Punch, during the celebrations, Mpu Town Union Federated President Benjamin Chijioke described her release as a significant relief to the community. “Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages,” he said.
Chijioke highlighted how the family’s absence had caused a notable setback in the area, particularly given their philanthropic contributions. He added, “We thank God and also pray that God will intervene so that our illustrious son and leader, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will join his family soonest.”
Similarly, Mpu Ward Councillor Ogbuka Edwin expressed gratitude for Beatrice’s return, noting the positive impact it has had on the community. “Today is like a public holiday in Mpu. The news was a cheerful one. The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife created a big gap in the community,” Edwin said. He added that the community remains steadfast in prayers for the senator’s release, stating, “It is celebration galore.”
The Ekweremadus’ conviction drew global attention, with notable figures and institutions advocating for clemency.
Appeals were made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), both chambers of the National Assembly, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC).
