British University Bans Ike Ekweremadu Over Alleged ‘Organ Harvesting’

The University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, has suspended Senator Ike Ekweremadu as visiting professor following his arrest and his wife over an allegation of conspiring to harvest the kidney of 15 year old boy identified as Ukpo Nwamini David.

Recall that senator Ekweremadu was appointed by the University as a visiting professor of Corporate and International Linkages.

During his arraignment along with his wife, Beatrice, on Thursday in London, the prosecution counsel told the court that the victim, David, was trafficked from Nigeria and entered the UK with the passport of a 41-year-old man.

A news report, the London Mail, quoted the university’s spokesperson as saying that Ekweremadu’s duties at the institution have been suspended till further notice.

“Visiting professors are often, as is in this case, non-resident at the university, unpaid and advisory,” the university’s spokesperson said.

“We are deeply concerned about the nature of these allegations, but as this is an active police investigation, we cannot comment further at this stage.

“Whilst this matter is subject to investigation, this person will not be undertaking any duties as visiting professor at Lincoln."

Meanwhile, the London Mail also reported that David who entered the UK with a passport of a 41-year-old man, did not know that he was being taken to London for the purpose of donating his kidney.

“The 15-year-old was given the passport of a 41-year-old in order to get into the UK, but did not know he was there to donate a kidney until he went for a hospital appointment in London, a court heard yesterday (Thursday),” the Mail quoted Prosecutor Damla Ayas as telling the Uxbridge Magistrates Court.

The prosecutor said the passport was obtained illegally.

It added: “After he (David) arrived in the capital in February, he had a string of medical appointments about kidney donation, but a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, North London, became concerned about the boy’s real age and if he knew he was there to donate an organ, it is alleged.

“’He was provided with a medical travel visa saying the purpose of the travel was to provide medical treatment for the defendants’ daughter who was undergoing dialysis in relation to a number of health issues.

“It was premeditated, it was planned. Blood tests were obtained in Nigeria and he travelled to the UK in February this year.

“He was taken to several medical appointments, in particular a medical appointment at the Royal Free Hospital, and was spoken to by a consultant about the organ harvesting for a kidney transplant.

“The consultant was concerned about his actual age and was concerned he was not aware he was the donor of the kidney. He only found out that the purpose of his visit was for an organ transplant when he visited the hospital.”

The couple who now face a 10 year jail term if found guilty, are charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploit the person by organ harvesting.

The kidney was meant for their daughter, Sonia, who requires a kidney transplant.

David is reported to be under the care of safeguarding authorities and the Metropolitan Police, officials said while the accused persons are being remanded in custody.

The next hearing in the case comes up on July 7 when the court will rule on jurisdiction.