Until he was arrested and convicted in London where he is currently serving a jail term, Senator Ike Ekweremadu was a renowned politician and lawyer who dominated Nigeria’s political landscape like a colossus for several decades.
He was best known for his role as the Deputy President of the Senate. During his time in the Senate, Ekweremadu represented the Enugu West Senatorial District.
As Deputy President of the Senate, Ekweremadu was the Chairman of the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
He played a significant role in Nigeria’s legislative process, formulating and enacting laws and policies. He also represented the Senate at various national and international fora, contributing to Nigeria’s overall diplomatic relations and legislative diplomacy.
Ekweremadu was involved in efforts to promote good governance, the rule of law, and democracy in Nigeria. He advocated for constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, and the protection of human rights.
But things took a swift turn downhill for the senator when he and his wife Beatrice were arrested in London and charged with conspiring to bring a child into the UK with the aim of harvesting his organs. An investigation of the crime went on for about 11 months from when the Metropolitan Police were informed of potential violations of modern slavery legislation. Ekweremadu was tried, convicted and jailed for nine years and eight months, while his wife was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment.
His influence and celebrity status quickly diminished after his arrest, conviction and sentencing. He has since disappeared from the political space in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have blamed him for not using his influential position to attract world-class hospitals in Nigeria, which could have prevented the medical tourism that landed him in trouble.
His experience should serve as a lesson for other Nigerian political leaders.
