Ekweremadu May Be Repatriated As Nigeria, UK Sign Migration Deal

Ekweremadu May Be Repatriated As Nigeria, UK Sign Migration Deal
Officials say no concrete plan yet despite legal pathway created
Agreement affects thousands of Nigerians facing deportation from UK

Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, may be among Nigerians considered for repatriation under a new bilateral migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Findings show the agreement covers the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers and convicted offenders. The development has renewed attention on Ekweremadu, who was convicted in March 2023 by the Old Bailey and sentenced to nine years and eight months imprisonment for organ trafficking.

The case involved an attempt to bring a Lagos based vendor, David Nwamini, to the UK for a kidney transplant for his daughter. His wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu, was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment but completed her term and returned to Nigeria in January 2025, while Dr Obinna Obeta received a 10 year sentence.

The agreement was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood.

Under the framework, Nigerians without legal status in the UK may be returned to Nigeria. However, officials said no concrete plan has been made regarding Ekweremadu’s transfer, despite the agreement providing a legal pathway.

Earlier attempts by the Federal Government to secure his transfer were unsuccessful. In November 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, reportedly engaged UK authorities, but the request was declined over concerns about sentence enforcement.

A senior government official said, “It may happen; I cannot overrule it. But at the moment, nothing of that nature is on the table.”

Legal experts have warned that any transfer must comply with existing laws. Lawyer Bankole Akomolafe said, “A bilateral agreement cannot nullify a valid court sentence.” Ekweremadu Repatriated As Nigeria

While the Alaigbo Development Foundation backed repatriation, other voices urged caution, noting the agreement affects over 2,000 Nigerians facing deportation and should not be reduced to a single case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was unaware of any direct move to repatriate the former senator.