Mpu community in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State erupted in jubilation on Wednesday, celebrating the return of Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from a United Kingdom prison.
Mrs. Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to four years and six months in May 2023 for her involvement in an organ trafficking plot, arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday.
The case, which attracted global attention, involved Mrs. Ekweremadu, her husband, and a medical doctor, Dr. Obinna Obeta. They were convicted by a UK court for their roles in a failed attempt to harvest the kidney of a 21-year-old Lagos street trader. The organ was intended for their daughter, Sonia, who suffers from kidney disease.
The young man, upon realizing the nature of the arrangement, fled in the UK and reported the matter to the police. This led to the arrest, trial, and subsequent conviction of the Ekweremadus and Dr. Obeta on May 5, 2023. Senator Ike Ekweremadu was sentenced to nine years and eight months, while Dr. Obeta received a 10-year sentence alongside the suspension of his medical license.
A Community Rejoices
During a community-wide celebration on Wednesday, the President of Mpu Town Union Federated, Mr. Benjamin Chijioke, described Mrs. Ekweremadu’s return as a significant relief for the people of Mpu.
“Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration across all the villages,” Chijioke said.
He noted that many community members, particularly those who have benefited from the Ekweremadu family’s philanthropy, were overwhelmed with tears of joy. The festivities coincided with the community’s Orie market day, transforming the marketplace into a hub of celebration.
“We thank God and pray that He intervenes so that our illustrious son and leader, distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will soon return home in good health,” Chijioke added. “Their absence has caused a significant setback for the community, but we remain hopeful.”
The councillor for Mpu Ward, Ogbuka Edwin, also expressed his joy, noting that the absence of the Ekweremadus had created a vacuum in the community.
“It feels like a public holiday here in Mpu. The news brought so much cheer. We will continue to pray until our leader and hero, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, rejoins his family,” Edwin said.
Social media platforms associated with the Mpu community have been flooded with messages of celebration and prayers for Senator Ekweremadu’s return. One message read:
“Daalu Ezinne! But I can’t wait until I see Ikeoha Global! The man who made me who I am politically—a builder of people and structures. New things will happen soon!”
Another post stated: “May God’s name be praised now and always, Amen. It can only be God.”
A community member also wrote: “Waoooi, good news! Thank you for everything. Dear mummy, you are highly, highly welcome, ma!”
Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu’s return has reignited hope and unity in the Mpu community, with many looking forward to the day Senator Ike Ekweremadu will also return. The Ekweremadu family’s impact on the community remains a source of inspiration and gratitude for many.