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Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
The 21-year-old Lagos street trader was falsely presented as Ekweremadu’s daughter’s cousin in an attempt to persuade doctors to carry out an £80,000 private kidney transplant
Former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu, has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison by a United Kingdom court for his role in an organ trafficking plot. His wife, Beatrice, was also sentenced to four years and six months, while Dr Obinna Obeta, the medical doctor who acted as a “middleman,” received a 10-year sentence and had his medical license suspended.
According to reports, a 21-year-old Lagos street trader was falsely presented as Ekweremadu’s daughter’s cousin in an attempt to persuade doctors to carry out an £80,000 private kidney transplant at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The young man was offered an illegal reward to become a donor for Ekweremadu’s daughter after kidney disease forced her to drop out of a master’s degree program at Newcastle University.
The prosecutor, Hugh Davies KC, described Ekweremadu’s behavior as showing “entitlement, dishonesty, and hypocrisy,” and accused him and Obeta of treating the man and other potential donors as “disposable assets – spare parts for reward.” Their conviction was the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.
Davies argued that Ekweremadu’s actions were not simply expedient in his daughter’s clinical interests but were exploitative and criminal. “Her clinical needs cannot come at the expense of the exploitation of somebody in poverty,” he said.
News
Kano Gov Yusuf Nominates Garo as Deputy Governor for 2027 Re-election
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially announced the nomination of his deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a strategic meeting with Federal Political Appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
He expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between them, noting that Garo had demonstrated competence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.
“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” Governor Yusuf declared.
The Governor also passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s drive to deliver meaningful development across Kano State.
Governor Yusuf urged party leaders, political appointees, and supporters to remain united and committed as the administration continues to consolidate on its achievements while preparing for the 2027 general elections.
News
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour loses mum
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
•Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour image credit: Instagram
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.
” With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.
News
BREAKING: FG Suspends WAEC, NECO Exam Fees Hike Amid Public Backlash
The Federal Government has suspended the recently approved increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, and civil society groups.
The suspension comes just days after the government approved a significant 82% hike, raising the uniform fee to ₦50,000 per candidate effective from the 2027 examination cycle. The decision to reverse the hike was announced on Monday amid mounting pressure over the potential impact on access to education for millions of Nigerian students, particularly from low-income families.
The fee increase, which was contained in a June 18, 2026 memo from the Federal Ministry of Education, had sparked immediate outrage. It raised WAEC fees from approximately ₦27,000–₦27,500 and NECO fees from ₦30,000 to the new flat rate of ₦50,000. Critics argued that the adjustment would place additional financial burdens on households already grappling with economic hardships and could lead to lower enrolment or increased examination malpractice.
Several groups, including education advocacy organisations, swiftly rejected the hike and called for its immediate reversal, highlighting concerns over state governments’ ability to continue subsidising exams and the ripple effects on secondary education completion rates.
A source at the Ministry of Education confirmed the suspension, stating that the government is committed to ensuring education remains accessible. “The welfare of Nigerian students and the need to address public concerns have been prioritised,” the source said.
Parents and guardians have welcomed the development. Many took to social media to express relief, with calls for a more sustainable funding model for examination bodies that does not rely heavily on direct fees from candidates.
WAEC and NECO officials are yet to issue official statements on the suspension, but stakeholders expect further consultations to find a balanced approach to addressing rising operational costs without compromising equity in education.
This marks a significant policy U-turn by the Federal Government in response to public sentiment. Further details on the next steps for examination fees are expected in the coming days.
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