Lawyers from the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom have been engaged to provide legal representation to embattled erstwhile Senate deputy president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu.

The move was part of consular services to the couple facing organ harvesting charges in the UK.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan disclosed this after a closed session of the Senate on Wednesday.

“I had a personal engagement with the Nigerian high commissioner in Britain, who has done so well by presenting his team to be in the facility where Ekweremadu is being detained,” said Mr Lawan. “The high commissioner has been able to provide some consular services, including the engagement of lawyers to defend Eweremadu and his wife in court.”

Mr Lawan also revealed that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation would visit the Ekeweremadus on Friday. 

The accused will appear in court on July 7 for trial.

Last week, authorities in the United Kingdom arrested the couple over human trafficking and organ harvesting. UK authorities said the Ekweremadus brought in a child with the purpose of harvesting organs. 

The UK government has now taken the child into custody. 

“Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting. Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria, is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting,” said the police charge.