The news of Beatrice Ekweremadu’s release and return to Nigeria sparked wild celebrations in Mpu, Aninri LGA, Enugu State, on Wednesday.
Traders at the Orie Mpu market, especially women, joyfully abandoned their stalls to celebrate the return of the wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, after she served a prison sentence in the United Kingdom.
Beatrice Ekweremadu and her husband, Ike, had both been sentenced for organ trafficking offenses by the Central Criminal Court in London.
While Beatrice was sentenced to four and a half years in March 2023, Ike was sentenced to nine years and eight months for the same crime.
Despite their convictions, news that Beatrice had completed her jail term and returned to Nigeria brought great relief and excitement to her hometown, as she was reunited with her family in Abuja.
In Mpu, her community, the announcement of her return sparked a frenzy of celebration.
Women at the market broke into song and dance, leaving their businesses behind to take part in the joyous occasion.
Many expressed hope that Ike would also soon return.
Benjamin Chijioke, President General of Mpu Town Union Federated, confirmed the news and said that the entire community was overwhelmed with happiness.
“It’s a great day for us. The whole village has been in celebration since morning. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the Ekweremadu family’s philanthropy,” Chijioke said.
“We pray for God’s intervention so that our beloved son, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will soon return to us.”
Chijioke also reflected on the impact the Ekweremadu family’s absence had on the community.
“We’ve missed them greatly, but we thank God for everything,” he added.
Other community members, like Emejonwu Abajonu, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude and optimism that Ike would return soon.
“To God alone be the glory. Ike will soon be back,” Abajonu said.
Kingsley Chioke also celebrated the moment, saying, “Waoooh! One down, one to go. Congratulations to us. We give all the glory to God.”
