Editorial
Lessons From Ekweremadu’s Conviction
David Nwamini’s organ trafficking plot case against former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; his wife, Beatrice, and Obinna Obeta, a medical doctor in the United Kingdom, has been decided. The case ended with the trio being sentenced by Justice Jeremy Johnson at Old Bailey Court in London on May 5.
In June 2022, the UK Metropolitan Police arrested Ekweremadu, his wife, and the medical doctor. They were accused of persuading doctors at the Royal Free Hospital to perform an £80,000 transplant on Nwamini. Nwamini was presented as a cousin of Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia. Despite their social status, they were remanded in custody after their arraignment and denied bail by the Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court.
Ekweremadu, aged 60, was sentenced to nine years and eight months. He was found guilty of arranging the travel of the Lagos street trader to exploit him for organ harvesting. His wife will serve four years and a fraction of months, while Obeta was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Ike and his wife’s prison terms run concurrently. The convicts were charged with human trafficking under sections 2 (1) (2) (3) (4) and 5 (2) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 of the United Kingdom.
The Act clearly states that arranging or facilitating travel for organ harvesting with the intention of exploitation is a punishable offence. It applies to all victims, regardless of age or consent. Specifically, section 5 (2) provides that a person guilty of an offence under section 2 (4) is liable “on conviction or indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.”
The jury found that the convicts conspired to bring Nwamini to London to illegally harvest his kidneys. This is the first verdict under the Modern Slavery Act of 2015. It is unfortunate that the politician suffered such a tragic fate. The conviction notwithstanding, the legislator and his wife’s mission to seek a potential kidney donor to save their daughter could be rationalised on purely parental, affectionate, and charitable grounds.
The Senator and his wife have been eliciting sympathy from the public. However, as a senior lawyer and lawmaker, Ike Ekweremadu should have known the value of adhering to the rule of law. He should have sought advice from his lawyers in Nigeria regarding the strict liability associated with human trafficking in the UK. This was before travelling to London. This would have allowed him to avoid any potential legal issues and ensured that he acted within the law.
The lack of transparency and honesty in communication played a central role in the proceedings and eventual conviction. The former Deputy Senate President, instead of acting charitably, exercised an ‘entitlement mentality’, which led to the unfortunate situation for him, his wife, and Obeta. This behaviour is typical of Nigerian ‘big men’.
Their conviction should teach all Nigerians a few lessons. The prevailing mentality in Nigeria is that anything is possible, so what happened to them could happen to anyone. This is a reminder that Nigerians take shortcuts to achieve their personal goals without considering the consequences. It is necessary to reflect on the aftermath of our actions and avoid cutting corners in our pursuit of objectives.
Another lesson is that the rule of law is an essential principle that should always be upheld, regardless of who is involved. This means that everyone, irrespective of their social or economic status, should be treated equally before the law. In Nigeria, however, this doctrine is generally not promoted, with trials dragging on for extended periods and offenders repeatedly being left unpunished. The rule of law must be respected and enforced to ensure justice for all.
Nigerian government must protect judges in the country from their current vulnerable positions and potential danger. Their profession demands morality, independence, impartiality, and incorruptibility. They must always act with integrity, especially when making decisions in cases. To ensure this, the State must provide a favourable environment for their work.
Senator Ekweremadu’s predicament should prompt the quick improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare facilities. With well-equipped hospitals and medical experts, wealthy Nigerians may not need to travel abroad for medical services. Regrettably, the primary healthcare system for preventable diseases like polio, cholera, and measles is virtually non-existent in the country.
Shamefully, Nigeria currently has the highest number of people without access to basic primary healthcare. This results in a reduced life expectancy of 45 years. This is compounded by the fact that many medical professionals are leaving the country to practice medicine abroad, where they receive better pay and recognition.
It is heartrending that the fate of the Ekweremadus has come to this. However, Nigerians often break laws and circumvent procedures with impunity. While it is heartening to see some Nigerians pleading for clemency for the Senator and his cohorts, we must acknowledge that they seriously breached the law. They must face the consequences. This conviction further serves as a lesson in integrity and the significance of lawful and transparent business practices.
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
