The resolution was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Abdullahi Abdulkadir (APC-Bauchi).
It came during plenary on Tuesday, June 28.
Moving the motion earlier, Abdulkadir said he is concerned about the arrest of Ekweremadu, a Nigerian citize; a serving senator, a former Deputy President of the Senate; as well as former Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament by the metropolitan police in the United Kingdom.
He said Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice were arrested at the London Heathrow Airport; adding that they were apprehended on their arrival from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
According to him, the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have since charged the Ekweremadus with offences relating to human trafficking and exploitation.
Further, Abdulkadir said that the Nigerian lawmaker and his spouse had been detained; pending the determination of the jurisdiction issues by the Attorney-General of England and Whales.
“Concerned that the additional information emerging from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS); as well as other legitimate sources including the visa issuing protocols at the UK High Commission.
“Bank verification number (BVN) suggests a different narrative that might not have been available to the metropolitan police at the time of arrest and charge.
“Hopeful that the authority in the United Kingdom will work with their national security and intelligence counterpart in Nigeria to conduct a holistic and thorough investigation to ascertain all the facts relating to the allegation in order to make a fair determination on the issues in the best interest of equity and justice for all concerned.
“I am confident that the Federal Government of Nigeria will, through the respective organs of government; use all available tools to ensure that the investigation and outcome of this will be conducted in the highest fidelity to the rule of law and with respect to the dignity of the person as enshrined in the European Convention of human rights which the United Kingdom is a signatory,” he said.
The lawmakers requested that the agencies of government and corporate bodies; particularly the National Identity Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Immigration Service, and bank;, act swiftly to respond to legitimate requests for information to facilitate the prompt resolution of the charges against Ekweremadu.
The House resolved to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs; acting Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service; as well as Director-General of NIMC to brief the house through the relevant committees on all necessary actions taken regarding the matter.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila said that a criminal charge does not constitute a conviction; or conclusive proof of guilt.
According to him, this is merely the beginning of the judicial process to substantiate the fact of the allegation; while also gathering sufficient evidence to sustain the charges therein.
“Until that process is concluded and even then, let us keep in mind that at the heart of this matter; there are human beings and fellow citizens whose lives have taken a turn none of us would ever wish for ourselves,” he said.
From 1st news
All these documents you are mentioning, are they not same documents the legal team of Ekweremadu are refuting, by asking the agencies to provide certified copies?
ReplyDeleteThey are not refuting
DeleteThey need certified copies to show the Uk a mistake has been made
Have Nigerian consulates provided consular services to all the Nigerians detained without trials in India, Malaysia, Indonesia etc?
ReplyDeleteGood question.
DeleteIt is well with those involved
ReplyDeleteMay God come through for them all.
All of you raw breakers should just start going to UK for treatment and let's see if uk will help us sanitize the Nigerian political space.🙄🙄🙄
ReplyDeleteUna never start, that man must serve.
ReplyDeleteYou think na Nigerian court hold the case?
Ooin🤣🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteThey will continue to reap what they planted! Wicked politicians
He has spoken well. Let the same love be shown to every Nigerian irrespective of class, tribe, religion whenever the need arrives.
ReplyDeleteif they are innocent, they will surely be released. Too many angles to this story. it must really be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. May justice prevail
If the boy actually lied then I fear human beings. His last paragraph is everything * their lives have taken a turn non of us will wish on ourselves
ReplyDelete"Until that process is concluded and even then, let us keep in mind that at the heart of this matter; there are human beings and fellow citizens whose lives have taken a turn none of us would ever wish for ourselves,” he said.
ReplyDeleteThose words up there so deep. My prayer is for Sonia to be healthy again. I pray for speedy transplant on her and let justice be done on this case.
Na your kidney she want gan gan,leave prayer for now😆
DeleteYou know I will gladly do that willingly without a charge. Wetin dey this life? I will gladly donate to her and not cos of the father. Afterall she's my sister and na the same road we dey follow go village.
DeleteHow many citizens has ever gotten consular support in difficult situations? Mschewwwww nonsense
ReplyDeleteConsular support for them them only. God is watching.
ReplyDeleteEvil politicians, they want to continue oppressing the poor. Thank God the case is in the hands of a government where no one is above the law .
ReplyDeleteSo they can rally round their own "If he was an ordinary citizen " they will turn deaf hear and blind eyes to him
ReplyDeleteWicked heartless bastards so they can seek for consular support for their patner in crime and wickedness but they can't do same for millions of Nigerians languishing in prison all over the world whom got in to trouble due to their financial rascality and political wickedness
ReplyDeleteWicked souls picking and choosing who to help God catch una
ReplyDeleteIt's well
ReplyDeleteMtscheeww.
ReplyDeleteWell, the prosecutors have their jobs to protect. The UK lawmakers that Nigerians are trying to reach out to have political opponents and the Press to deal with--they are not your regular brown envelope journalists like the hungry suckers in Nigeria. It is a scandal that no prosecutor or UK politician will not want to be caught with on the wrong side of the law. Actually, any politicians that blocks the investigation will be prosecuted for intent to obstruct justice. What rational UK politician would want to go down because of the criminals in power in Nigeria? Not worth it. At best, they will give their Nigerian counterpart some politically correct responses.
ReplyDelete