The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is appealing for leniency in the sentencing of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; and his wife, Beatrice over the ruling in the United Kingdom.
The couple and their doctor, Obinna Obeta, on March 23, were found guilty after a 6-week trial at the Old Bailey of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain on behalf of Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia, with a view to his exploitation.
Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, in a letter dated April 6, 2023, addressed to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London, appealed to the court to ‘temper justice with mercy’.
Dr Tunis recounted the several achievements of the embattled lawmaker in the ECOWAS Parliament and decried his “long absence” since June 2022, saying it would be “dreadful” if he faces a long prison sentence.
“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.”
Temper justice with mercy, Reps appeals for Ekwerenmadu
As the date for the sentencing of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, May 5, draws close, the House of Representatives has appealed to the UK government to temper justice with mercy.
A member of the House, Toby Okechukwu representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River constituency in Enugu State moved the motion, emphasising on the historic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Okechukwu highlighted what he described as the lawmaker’s contributions to the Commonwealth of Nations and his innocent intention to save the life of his sick daughter.
The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila pleaded for clemency for the embattled Ekweremadu, describing him as a good man with no prior convictions.
Gbajabiamila also sought consideration to be made for their daughter who is sick and might be away from her parents under whose care she is.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice; and their doctor, Obinna Obeta were convicted of organ trafficking in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act. (RN)
