UK–Nigeria Pact Raises Possibility of Deportations, Ekweremadu’s Fate Uncertain

A fresh migration agreement between United Kingdom and Nigeria could pave the way for the repatriation of Nigerians residing in the UK without legal status, including convicted individuals.

The deal was formalised during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UK and targets categories such as failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and prisoners eligible for deportation.

Among those who could potentially be affected is former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently serving a nine-year, eight-month prison sentence in the UK following his conviction in 2023 over an organ trafficking case.

Ekweremadu was found guilty after attempting to bring a young man from Lagos to the UK for a kidney transplant intended for his daughter. His wife, Beatrice Ekweremadu, who was also convicted, completed her sentence and returned to Nigeria in January 2025. A medical doctor linked to the case was similarly jailed under UK modern slavery laws.

Prior efforts by the Nigerian government to secure Ekweremadu’s transfer back home had failed. A delegation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General visited the UK in November 2025, but British authorities declined the request, citing concerns about whether the sentence would be fully enforced in Nigeria.

Under the new arrangement, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, agreed on procedures for returning Nigerians who have exhausted their legal stay or are due for deportation after convictions.

While sources indicate Ekweremadu could benefit from the agreement, officials say no concrete decision has been reached.

“It remains a possibility, but nothing has been finalised. Any move would require proper legal coordination between both countries,” a government source said.