Nigerian politician Ike Ekweremadu charged with conspiring to traffic child to harvest organs

Police say the child is being safeguarded. Credit: Ike Ekweremadu and Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu.

A Nigerian politician is due to appear in court is charged with conspiring to bring a child to the UK to harvest their organs, the Met Police say.

Ike Ekweremadu, 60, a district senator and lawyer, has been charged alongside a second defendant, Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, with conspiracy to arrange and/or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

Both have been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday (23 June), the Metropolitan Police said.

The child – whose age is unknown – has been taken into care.

The investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022, the force said.

Ike Ekweremadu is a Nigerian politician and lawyer, who has served in the Senate of Nigeria since 2003 and was the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate.

Roof of Orpington property engulfed in flames as 70 firefighters tackle blaze
Police hunt for stolen cocker spaniels snatched by rogue buyers

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To know...