David Nwamini, the alleged victim of the organ harvesting by former Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu on Monday testified that he arrived in the UK on 20 February, 2022, and he thought he was in UK to work.
This is as trial of Ekweremadu, who is standing trial for allegedly plotting to harvest the kidney of Nwamini, a 22-year-old street trader continued on Monday at the Old Bailey court in Central England, the United Kingdom.
Also being tried alongside the Nigerian lawmaker are his wife – Beatrice, 25-year-old daughter Sonia, and a doctor, ObinnaObeta.
They are accused of conspiring to exploit the man for his organ.
At the continuation of the trial on Monday, the victim told the court the version of his story.
Speaking through an interpreter, the victim revealed he did not even know why he was being taken to see a doctor.
He disclosed he was being “controlled” and told to lie about having a family connection with the Ekweremadus before a consultation at the Royal Free Hospital.
In the end, a doctor at the north London hospital concluded he was unsuitable as a donor for 25-year-old Sonia Ekweremadu, the Old Bailey has heard.
It will be recalled that Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice were arrested by the British police on 23 June last year on allegations of human trafficking and organ harvesting that violate the country’s Modern Slavery Act.
The Ekweremadus and the doctor are accused of conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, under UK legislation on modern slavery.
Prosecutors said the defendants allegedly planned to have a kidney removed from the man so that it could be given to Sonia.
However, all the four accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. They face life imprisonment if convicted.
In Britain, it is legal to donate a kidney, but not for reward, Channels reports.
Prosecutors say regardless of whether the Lagos street trader gave his consent, a crime was committed by the wealthy Nigerians.
