Organ harvesting: Ebonyi govt says donor’s younger brother is over 20, backs Ekweremadu

The Ebonyi State Government has announced that it is reaching out to the family of the donor in the ongoing organ trafficking case involving former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife.

The senator and his wife are currently detained in the United Kingdom on the allegation of organ harvesting after a donor of kidney for their ailing daughter, David Okemini Ukpo told UK authorities he was 15 years of age and unaware he was to donate his kidney.

The Ekweremadus had facilitated the travel of Ukpo to the UK for kidney donation to their daughter, Sonia, who is reportedly suffering from kidney failure.

Reacting, Ebonyi State Government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, said it stands with Ekweremadu’s family in their trying time.

“While we urge the UK Government to act progressively and meticulously and critically look at the intention (Mens rea) and the minds of the detained family and please give them the benefit of the doubt, we enjoin the public especially those with shades of opinions and surge of anxieties to remain calm as we hope to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“The State Government is reaching out to the family of David Okemini Ukpo from Ebonyi State, whose information to the Metropolitan Authority of UK orchestrated the criminal charge incidented against the Distinguished Senator and his wife.

“The State Government stands with Senator Ike Ekweremadu at this trial moment and hopes that the truth and nothing but the truth shall guide the outcome of the matter”.

Also, a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Ugbala to the British High Commission Abuja and Nigeria High Commission, London said Ukpo was not a minor as the Metropolitan earlier reported.

According to the statement, Ukpo’s younger brother, who he (Ukpo) was living with is above 20 years of age.

According to a document earlier sighted by Daily Pos, the young man was said to be 22-year-old.