By Okafor Joseph Afam | January 23, 2025

The Mpu community in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State erupted in celebration on Wednesday following the return of Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from a UK prison.

Mrs. Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to four years and six months in May 2023 for her involvement in an organ trafficking scheme, arrived back in Nigeria on Tuesday.

She, alongside her husband and a medical doctor, Dr. Obinna Obeta, had been convicted in the United Kingdom for plotting to harvest the kidney of a 21-year-old Lagos street trader for their ailing daughter, Sonia. The young man escaped and reported to the police, leading to their arrest and subsequent sentencing.

Senator Ekweremadu received a nine-year, eight-month sentence, while Dr. Obeta, who acted as a middleman, was sentenced to 10 years, with his medical license suspended.

A Community in Jubilation

The President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, Mr. Benjamin Chijioke, described Mrs. Ekweremadu’s return as a momentous occasion for the community.

“Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration across all the villages,” Chijioke said.

He added that the Ekweremadu family’s absence had been a significant setback for the community, particularly for those who depended on their philanthropy.

The celebrations coincided with the community’s Orie market day, turning the marketplace into a hub of festivity.

“We thank God and pray that He intervenes so that our illustrious son and leader, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will soon return home in good health,” Chijioke added.

Gratitude and Hope

The councillor for Mpu Ward, Ogbuka Edwin, expressed similar sentiments, noting the gap created by the absence of the Ekweremadus.

“It feels like a public holiday here in Mpu. The news brought so much cheer. We will continue to pray until our leader and hero, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, rejoins his family,” Edwin said.

Social media platforms associated with the community were flooded with messages of thanksgiving and hope for Senator Ekweremadu’s return.

One message read: “Daalu Ezinne! But I can’t wait until I see Ikeoha Global! The man who made me who I am politically—a builder of people and structures.”

Another post stated: “May God’s name be praised now and always, Amen. It can only be God.”

For the people of Mpu, Mrs. Ekweremadu’s return marks the beginning of healing for the community, as they continue to hope for the reunion of the entire Ekweremadu family.