The Metropolitan Police have arrested and charged a Nigerian, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice for bringing a child to the UK for organ harvesting.
The child, whose identity was not disclosed, is reported to the Metropolitan Police, while the suspects are currently in custody pending a few hours when they would be arraigned at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.
In a statement, Metropolitan Police said: “A woman and a man were charged today with conspiring to arrange the travel of a child into the UK in order to harvest organs.
“The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime team.
“[A] Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
“[B] Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
“They have both been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later today.
“The investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022. A child has been safeguarded and we are working closely with partners on continued support. As criminal proceedings are now underway we will not be providing further details.”
The suspect shares the same name with the former Deputy Senate President. It’s unclear if he is the one or if they are related.