A Nigerian senator and his wife have today appeared in court accused of plotting to traffic a homeless child into the UK in order to harvest his organs.
Ike Ekweremadu, a People's Democratic Party politician for 19 years who was once Deputy President of the nation's senate, and Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu are accused of trying to traffic the 15-year-old to the UK from Lagos.
The court heard the couple, who have four children and a house in Willesden, North London, hoped to transplant the boy's organs to their daughter who suffers from kidney failure.
Police were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery laws last month.
They arrested the couple two days ago at Heathrow Airport as they attempted to board a plane to Turkey - where it was suggested that the procedure could take place - the court heard.
Ekweremadu, 60, is said to have had £20,000 on him on at the time of his arrest, according to prosecutors.
The child is now under the care of safeguarding authorities and the Metropolitan Police, officials say.
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