An Enugu State-born politician and Philanthropist, Chief Chinedu Eya, has written Britain’s King Charles III, pleading for a Prerogative of Mercy for the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and wife, Beatrice over their conviction by a British court.
Eya made the plea in a letter to King Charles III and made it available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday.
He said that Ekweremadu and his wife were in a crossroad over their desire to save their ailing daughter, appealing to the King to invoke the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in favour of the couple.
“Your Majesty, I wish to start this letter by congratulating your majesty on his coronation a few days ago, in the United Kingdom.
“Having said that, It is equally important I inform you your coronation is coming on the heals of the sentencing of my dearest brother and Nigerian former deputy senate president, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, his wife and doctor, Obinna Obeta to 9 years, 4 years and 10 years respectively in prison by an Old Bailey Court for violating British laws on kidney donation and transplant.
“The court’s action became so devastating to many of us in Enugu state and Nigeria in general because the lawmaker only got enmeshed in the whole controversy as a parent who was only desirous to save the life of his daughter Sonia.
“Sonia who is Ekweremadu’s daughter as I make this appeal is still writhing in pain and living on daily medication (Insulin) in a bid to survive her debilitating health challenge which has eventually led to her parents’ conviction.
“The young lady was in dire need of a Kidney transplant but unfortunately, her parents and their doctor went about the mission in the most unacceptable ways.
“Already, Ekweremadu and his wife have been convicted and sentenced accordingly and I plead that you graciously and mercifully invoke the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in favour of the couple,” he said.
Ike, his wife, and doctor, Obinna Obeta were sentenced to 9 years, 4 years, and 10 years respectively in prison by an Old Bailey Court for violating British laws on kidney donation and transplant.