Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has denied involvement in the donor search, BBC NEWS reported.
Ekweremadu, 60, Beatrice,56, their daughter, Sonia, 25, and a medical “middleman” Dr. Obinna Obeta,50, are on trial at the Old Bailey in London, over an alleged ploy to bring a young man to Britain to use him as a donor.
At the Old Bailey on Monday, March 13, 2023, the mother of four denied being privy to discussions about finding a donor for her daughter.
Mrs Ekweremadu told jurors her husband took care of the household finances, according to the Nigerian custom.
Beatrice who worked full time in the Nigerian auditor general’s office, has a PhD in accountancy, the jury heard.
She said her domestic responsibilities included travelling to the UK every couple of weeks to visit her children at school and to pick them up for holidays.
Mrs Ekweremadu said Sonia first became unwell after she went home to Nigeria for the Christmas holidays in 2019.
Sonia returned to London to see a doctor at the Cromwell Hospital and then the Royal Free, jurors were told.
Defence barrister Anu Mohindru KC said: “There are text messages from your husband keeping you informed of what was happening. Is that something he would do?”
The defendant replied: “Yes. He tells me what he thinks I need to know.”
The barrister went on to inquire if Mr Ekweremadu had relayed his discussions with his medically trained brother Diwe.
Mrs Ekweremadu told jurors she regarded Diwe Ekweremadu as the family doctor but did not ask about it.
It is alleged Diwe’s former classmate, Dr Obeta, offered to help the family.
Mr Mohindru asked the defendant if she was involved in identifying any candidates, which Mrs Ekweremadu denied.
The Ekweremadus, who have an address in Willesden Green, north-west London, and Dr Obeta, from Southwark, south London, deny the charges against them and the trial continues.