Breaking: Beatrice Ekweremadu Returns from UK Prison
Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, the wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a United Kingdom prison and has returned to Nigeria.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Punch that Mrs Ekweremadu, who had been serving a five-year sentence in the UK, arrived in the country on Tuesday and is currently in Abuja.
The news of her return has sparked widespread celebrations in her hometown of Mpu, located in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Residents, family members, and community leaders expressed joy and relief over her release.
During the ongoing celebrations, Mr Benjamin Chijioke, President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, described her return as a significant relief to the community.
He also prayed for the swift release of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who remains in custody.
“Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. It is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages,” Chijioke said.
“People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depend on the philanthropic nature of the family to survive. Today is our Orie market day, and the whole market was agog with celebration. We thank God and pray that Senator Ike Ekweremadu will soon rejoin his family in good health,” he added.
Similarly, the councillor for Mpu Ward, Mr Ogbuka Edwin, expressed gratitude to God for Mrs Ekweremadu’s return, noting the impact her absence, along with her husband’s, had on the community.
“Today feels like a public holiday in Mpu. The news of her return brought so much joy. The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife has left a significant void in our community,” Edwin remarked.
“We will not stop praying until our leader and hero reunites with his family. It is truly a day of celebration for us.”
Mrs Ekweremadu, her husband, and Dr Obinna Obeta were convicted in 2023 by a UK court for an organ-trafficking conspiracy.
While the circumstances of her early release remain undisclosed, her return has brought hope and relief to her community, which now eagerly awaits the release of Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
The Mpu community has pledged continued prayers and support for the Ekweremadu family, recognising their contributions and leadership.
