A Nigerian man Ukpo Nwamini David, at the centre of the alleged organ harvesting charges filed against a former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice, on Thursday admitted to being 21 years old.
David allegedly told doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in the United Kingdom (UK) that he was 15 years old and unaware he had been brought to the country for a kidney donation to Ekweremadu’s sick daughter.
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His initial age declaration caused the doctors to cancel the kidney transplant procedure and sparked a lot of controversy in Nigeria.
AriseTV reported that at the Westminster Magistrate Court on Thursday, July 7, legal counsel for the defendants maintained that there was no exploitation or intent to exploit the alleged victim.
Meanwhile, a large delegation from the Nigeria High Commission and other top past and serving government officials from Nigeria were present at the court to show support to the Ekweremadus.
Members of the delegation include former Senate Minority Leader Eyinnanya Abaribe, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of State for Education Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Adamu Bulkachuwa.
The case was adjourned till August 4, with the court ruling that the Ekweremadus be remanded in custody until the next hearing.
It is however expected that a bail application will be made before then.