Wild celebrations erupted in Mpu community, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Wednesday following reports of the return of Lady Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from a UK prison.
Lady Beatrice had been sentenced to four years and six months in March 2023 by a judge at The Central Criminal Court in the United Kingdom for organ harvesting.
Her husband, Ike Ekweremadu, was also convicted of the same offence and sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison.
News of Mrs. Ekweremadu’s return to Nigeria and reunion with her family in Abuja spread rapidly on Wednesday morning, sparking excitement across Mpu, where the former senator hails from.
The news triggered spontaneous celebrations, particularly among market women at the popular Orie Mpu market.
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Overwhelmed with joy, traders shut down their stalls and took to the streets, singing and dancing in honor of Lady Beatrice, whom they fondly referred to as their “mother.”
Community members expressed hope that Senator Ike Ekweremadu would soon return as well.
Efforts to reach their son, Llyod Ekweremadu, who serves as the Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his mobile phone remained unanswered.
However, the President General of Mpu Town Union Federated, Chief Benjamin Chijioke, confirmed the development, stating that the community’s joy was immeasurable.
“It is a great day for us. Since morning, there has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages.
“People are shading tears of joy especially those that were depending on the philanthropic disposition of the family to survive. Good of it, today is our Orie Market day, the whole market has been agog with celebration”, he stated.
Chijioke also prayed that God would intervene ”so that our illustrious son and leader, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu will join his family soonest. I don’t know what to do today again because their absence has brought a huge setback to the community. We missed them a lot but we thank God for everything”.
Another member of the community, Emejonwu Abajonu said: “To God alone be all the glory. Ike –Oha will soon come back from the leave. Our quintessential mother, you are highly welcome back”.
Kingsley Chioke stated: “Waoooh!!! That’s great news, one down, one to go, congratulations to us. To God we give all the glory”.
