Posted by Samuel on Wed 01st Feb, 2023 - tori.ng
At the resumed court trial on Monday, Sonia’s defence team said she was unable to attend court as she is currently in hospital with an unspecified condition.
The trial of former Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife, Beatrice, for alleged organ harvesting has been stalled by the absence of Sonia Ekweremadu, his daughter.
At the resumed court trial on Monday, Sonia’s defence team said she was unable to attend court as she is currently in hospital with an unspecified condition.
Her lawyers have also submitted a psychological report, claiming she is not fit to stand trial.
Consequently, the court adjourned to allow the prosecutors to examine the report.
Ekweremadu’s daughter is said to be suffering from kidney disease and needs a transplant.
She is standing trial alongside her parents, who were in court at the resumed hearing.
They are facing charges bordering on conspiracy to arrange/facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.
The couple was arrested by the London Metropolitan Police last June and appeared before a Magistrates’ court in July.
Ekweremadu’s wife was granted bail on July 22, but the senator’s request was denied.
The police had alleged that David Ukpo, the reported victim at the centre of the organ harvesting allegation, is a 15-year-old, but the court ruled that he is 21.
Last December, the court also refused Ekweremadu’s fresh bail application on the ground that the senator “remains a flight risk”.