Obasanjo appeals to UK court to temper justice with mercy

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed to the British Government to temper justice with mercy over the conviction of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife, Beatrice, for organ harvesting.

Mr Obasanjo made the appeal in a letter dated April 3, 2023, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta by the former president’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the letter was addressed to the Chief Clerk, the Central Criminal Court, London.

The former president appealed for clemency for the Nigerian couple.

Mr Obasanjo called on the clerk to intervene and appeal to the court and the government of the United Kingdom to be magnanimous enough to temper justice with mercy.

He sought for punishment that might have to come take their good character and parental instinct and care into consideration.

Mr Obasanjo, who admitted to the implications of the Ekweremadus’ action, said that it was unpleasant and condemnable and could not be tolerated in any sane or civilised society.

He asked the United Kingdom to consider the very warm relationship between the United Kingdom and Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He urged the UK to consider the daughter in question whose current health condition was in danger and required an urgent medical attention.

“It is with great pleasure that I write in respect of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who I have known for over two decades.

“Within this period, I have followed and watched, with keen interest, Ike Ekweremadu’s inspiring career which traversed private legal practice and public administration.

“I recall, with fond memories, the beginnings of our political and social relationship at the outset of our collective quest for democratic rebirth for our fatherland.