The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders has commended the Federal Government for initiating diplomatic talks with the United Kingdom aimed at transferring former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his prison sentence.
In a statement, the President General of the Coalition, Mr. Goodluck Ibem, described the Federal Government’s move as compassionate and reflective of a government that values justice, fairness, and rehabilitation. He said the group was pleased that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had shown concern for the welfare of Ekweremadu, who has remained in a UK correctional facility since his conviction.
According to reports, the Nigerian delegation leading the negotiations includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi. The delegation met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice and was later received at the Nigerian High Commission in London by Acting High Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Maidugu.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alkasim AbdulKadir, confirmed that the Federal Government has made a formal appeal for Ekweremadu to serve his remaining sentence in Nigeria. He said discussions were ongoing between both governments.
Mr. Ibem praised the move, stating that it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens, regardless of their circumstances. He said, “We wholeheartedly support President Tinubu’s initiative to facilitate the transfer of Senator Ekweremadu to Nigeria. This shows the government’s dedication to justice and rehabilitation and highlights compassion for a man who has contributed immensely to national development.”
He also urged the UK authorities to cooperate with Nigeria on the proposal, adding that mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement would strengthen the relationship between both nations. The group, he said, believes that Ekweremadu deserves the opportunity to serve the rest of his sentence close to home, surrounded by family support.
Mr. Ibem further called on all stakeholders to maintain open communication and ensure a swift, fair resolution to the matter. He stressed that while the South-East supports accountability and justice, it also believes in the humane treatment of public figures who have made significant contributions to the country’s growth.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, stated that the socio-cultural organisation had not yet discussed the issue and therefore could not give an official position.
Ekweremadu was convicted in the United Kingdom in 2023 for organ trafficking and was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison. His wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, who was also convicted, received four years and six months and was released earlier in 2025.
The Federal Government’s intervention, according to analysts, may open the door for a bilateral prisoner-transfer arrangement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.