The Ebonyi State Government has announced that it is currently contacting the family of David Okemini Ukpo in response to the detention of former Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife in the United Kingdom.
Recall that Ekweremadu arranged for Ukpo to travel to the UK in order to donate a kidney to his (Ekweremadu’s) daughter, Sonia, who is reportedly experiencing kidney failure.
However, the Metropolitan Authority of the UK detained and arrested Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice for allegedly smuggling Ukpo into the country for the purpose of harvesting organs.
In response to the issues, the Ebonyi State Government said it supports Ekweremadu’s family during this difficult time in a statement from the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji.
“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 newsmen, the young man was said to be 22-year-old.