The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has appealed for leniency in the United Kingdom sentencing of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; and his wife, Beatrice, on Friday.

After a six-week organ trafficking trial at the Old Bailey, the couple and their doctor, Obinna Obeta, on March 23, were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain on behalf of Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia, with a view to his exploitation.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, in a letter dated April 6, 2023 addressed to the Chief Clerk of The Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London, asked the court to temper justice with mercy.

Listing several of the achievements of the embattled former deputy speaker in the ECOWAS Parliament, Tunis decried his “long absence” since June 2022, saying it would be “dreadful” if he faces a long prison sentence.

“In view of all these, therefore, I wish to fervently appeal to the honorable court, on behalf of the ECOWAS Parliament, for leniency in meting out justice to the couple.

“We understand the position of the law, but only appeal that the honorable court puts on a human face in this circumstance and temper justice with mercy, especially considering his good behavior and contributions to the good of the society, the less privileged, and democracy,” the letter stated. (AFP)

• Picture of ECOWAS letter