TheCable

Concerned Nigerians, a group, has appealed to the United Kingdom (UK) over the release of Ike Ekweremadu, senator representing Enugu west.

The group said this on Thursday during a visit to the UK high commission in Abuja.

They are asking that the UK authorities grant bail to the former deputy senate president who has been in custody since June.

Ekweremadu and Beatrice, his wife, are facing charges bordering on conspiracy to arrange/facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting, in the UK.

The senator was said to be seeking a kidney donor for his daughter.

Speaking to journalists after submitting a petition to the high commission, Peter Sawa, leader of the group, said the claim by prosecutors that the senator is a flight risk is laughable.

“We appeal to the UK government to grant senator Ike Ekweremadu bail,” Sawa said.

“The claim by his prosecutors that he is a flight risk is far from the truth, as the Ekweremadu we know, being a legislator of international acclaim, will be more interested in the recovery of his daughter, establishing his innocence, and reclaiming his reputation.

“We appeal to the UK government to consider the noble cause of senator Ike Ekweremadu, being a natural instinct and spirited effort of a loving and responsible father to save the life of his daughter.

“This is something any other responsible parent could have done; and if this could happen to senator Ike Ekweremadu, it could happen to anyone.”

Sawa also said the federal government should put in more effort in securing its citizens across the world.

“If a man of the status of the senator could suffer this, what chance could the common Nigerian have? What we are doing here, our stand here is not for Ekweremadu alone,” he said.

See photos below.