London, UK– The family of Daniel, the victim in the notorious organ harvesting case involving Nigerian Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has made a heartfelt appeal to the UK government, seeking information about their son’s condition and whereabouts.
In a recent interview featured in the documentary series Daniel vs. Ekweremadu, the family voiced their concerns for Daniel’s safety, expressing their fears that they do not know if he is alive or dead. Daniel’s stepmother, speaking publicly for the first time, disclosed that they have been unable to contact him since the legal battle began, which has caused them immense worry.
“The situation has caused a great strain on our family,” she shared. “I even fell ill because of this, but I had to stay strong for Daniel’s mother. We have no idea whether our son is dead or alive. We are pleading with both the UK and Nigerian governments to inform us about our son’s condition.”
She further expressed her frustration and fears, stating, “If anything happens to my son or anyone in my family, Ekweremadu should be held accountable.” Daniel’s brother also mentioned that their mother has not spoken to him since his involvement in the case. “He hasn’t spoken to our mother. She doesn’t even have a phone,” he added.
Filmmakers Question Lack of Communication
The documentary, directed by the award-winning filmmaker Chude Jideonwo, delves into the complex circumstances surrounding Daniel’s case and its toll on his family in Nigeria.
Jideonwo and his team reached out to British authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and the NGO Justice and Care, which had previously confirmed they were in contact with Daniel. However, Jideonwo revealed that despite this confirmation, Justice and Care did not participate in the documentary as expected and has since stopped communication.
“We found this behavior curious and deeply disrespectful to a family that is already heartbroken and desperate for answers,” Jideonwo remarked. “Daniel is a person with rights, and his emotional and physical well-being should be paramount. To cut him off from his family, and for authorities to ignore their request for confirmation of his safety, is very strange. Only the police now seem to know if Daniel – whose real identity has been concealed by the authorities – is alive and well.”
A Landmark Case in Modern Slavery Law
The series Daniel vs. Ekweremadu highlights the sensational trial of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and Dr. Obinna Obeta, who were all convicted under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law. They were found guilty of attempting to harvest Daniel’s kidney for their daughter, who was in need of a transplant.
This case is notable as the first conviction under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law, drawing significant attention from both the UK and Nigeria. The court ordered that Daniel’s identity be protected, leading to the use of a pseudonym in the documentary.
The second part of the series, which premiered on August 30, provides a gripping insight into the dramatic fall of Ekweremadu from a respected politician to a convicted criminal. Shot in both Nigeria and the UK, the documentary includes interviews with British prosecutors, police, and Daniel’s family, providing a rare glimpse into this pivotal case.
Family’s Continued Plea for Information
As Daniel’s family continues to live in uncertainty, their plea remains the same: “We just want to know if he is safe,” his stepmother emphasized. The silence from authorities has only deepened the family’s fear.
The two-part documentary Daniel vs. Ekweremadu is available exclusively on the streaming platform withchude.com, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the case that has not only captivated the public but also changed the legal landscape in the UK.
However, for Daniel’s family, this remains an unresolved and painful chapter, as they await answers about their son’s fate.
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