By James Simons-
A Nigerian Mp and his wife have appeared in court, charged with organ harvesting . Both Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beaitrice Ekweremadu pleaded not guilty to the charge organ harvesting while the case has been transferred to the Central Criminal Court.
The couple, who are accused of plotting to harvest a man’s kidney in the UK will face trial at the Old Bailey.
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Ike Ekweremadu, 60, and Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, were initially alleged to have transported a minor of 15 years of age from Nigeria to London, after travelling with a passport that stated him to be 41 years of age. The court concluded the boy to be 21 years of age, four years younger than the age claimed by a man who claimed to his brother when speaking to a Nigerian news outlet last month.
Prosecutors allege the couple planned to have his kidney removed, so it could be given to their daughter.
The Ekweremadus will next appear at the Old Bailey on 4 August.
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The alleged victim is said to have refused to consent to the procedure after undergoing tests at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.
It is alleged the Ekweremadus treated him as a slave before he escaped and went to Staines police station, Surrey.
The couple were arrested at Heathrow Airport on 21 June after arriving on a flight from Turkey.
Remand
They both appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier on Thursday following previous hearings at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court last month.
Mr Ekweremadu is a lawyer and senior politician in Nigeria, and also owns a Law firm in his name. His arrest and criminal charge sent shock waves to his native country of Nigeria, although the presumption of innocence until proven guilty remains the legal position in law.
The court understand the couple have indicated not guilty pleas, and will deny claims of exploitation.
Deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram remanded the couple in custody ahead of their next appearance at the Old Bailey.
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