Obasanjo seeks leniency for organ-trafficking senator
The former president presented himself as a soldier who had been commissioned into the British Army of the West Africa Frontiers Force and had advanced to the rank of full general in the Nigerian Army, but he made no mention of whether he was speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, has written to UK court authorities pleading for mercy in the case of organ trafficking convictions for Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice.
Last month, it was determined that Dr. Obinna Obeta, 60, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, 60, and their wife Beatrice, 56, were responsible for transporting a 21-year-old street vendor to the UK from Lagos in order to profit from his organ.
The Old Bailey was informed that the organ was for the couple's 25-year-old daughter Sonia, who had been exonerated on the same allegation.
Prior to the sentencing in the first such case under modern slavery laws, set for May 5, the suspects are still being held in custody in the UK.
The actions of the couple were "condemnable," according to Mr. Obasanjo, and "cannot be tolerated in any sane or civilized society."
However, he requests that the court take into account Senator Ekweremadu's ill daughter, "whose health is in danger and requires urgent medical attention."
Additionally, he urged the judge to take "the senator's good character" into account when deciding on a sentence.
It's uncertain what effect Mr. Obasanjo's involvement will have.
