SONIA Ekweremadu, daughter of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, says she feels responsible for the conviction of her parents as her sickness warranted the search for a kidney donor.
Last year, the former lawmaker, his wife, Beatrice and a doctor, Obinna Obeta, were arrested for conspiracy to exploit a street trader for his kidney in the first such case under modern slavery laws.
The trader was reportedly presented as Sonia’s cousin in a failed bid to persuade doctors to carry out an £80,000 private procedure at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
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The trio were declared guilty by a UK court in March and sentenced on May 5.
Ekweremadu was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, his wife, Beatrice received four years and six months, while the medical doctor, Obeta, received a 10-year prison term.
Speaking on their sentence in an interview with BBC, Sonia said her parents were convicted because they sought ways to solve her health condition.
“I don’t think it would ever be the same. I feel guilty because I feel that all this has happened because of me.”
The 25-year-old said she understands the conviction but has refused to agree with it.
“It’s sad. It has been tough to wrap my head around it. I understand the conviction; personally, I disagree with it. However, that is from a very biased perspective. As their daughter, I would always back my parents. However, the law has taken its course and we have to move forward as a family.
“Life is just so dynamic. One day you are in your house chilling; the next day, your whole life is turned upside down,” she said.
Sonia also noted that her family has a history of kidney conditions, and this influenced her parent’s decision to seek a donor outside the family.
Beloved John is an investigative reporter with International Centre for Investigative Reporting.
You can reach her via: Bjohn@icirnigeria.org